R&D Research Associate

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

• Perform basic biotechnology experiments and collect and record/ document research data in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 

• Plan, manage, execute plant protein research from bench to pilot scale following established procedures and protocols. 

• Develop novel extraction techniques for plant proteins extraction. 

• Active collaboration with product development, process engineering, and analytics to ensure the timely deliverables. 

• Apply learning from patent landscape and public research to short, mid and long term in-house and external partner collaborative projects 

• Coordinate with scientists & senior scientists in generating innovative methods of plant proteins isolation and characterization process, and convert them into successful experimental plan and execution. 

• Operating equipment’s to characterize proximate and functionality of a variety of plant protein sources. 

• Data visualization and statistical analysis of experimental results as well as interpreting and communicating the finding of R&D team to the business unit 

 

​​​​​​​Required qualification: 

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or related field, with 2+ years of experience in similar fields, or 

• Master’s degree in the above fields, with 1+ years of experience.  

Preferred qualification: 

• Basic lab experience 

• 2-4 years of previous job experience in a biotech or food tech industry is preferred. 

• A genuine desire to work in plant-based ingredients and food space. 

• Knowledge of basic protein chemistry and their extraction techniques, basic proximate characterization techniques. 

• Understanding of QA/QC, microbial safety, and sensory properties of proteins and food products. 

• Know-how in methods to characterize plant proteins and it’s use thereof in food and beverage systems using analytical methods such as rheology, texture analysis, particle size, SDS-PAGE etc., is preferred. 

• 2-4 years of previous job experience in a biotech or food tech industry is preferred. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands) 

• This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing. 

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.   

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights;   

• Ability to work in confined spaces.  

• Ability to work in a variety of temperatures and potential inclement weather.    

• Ability to withstand extended periods of walking and standing.  

• Ability to move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more, which requires bending and lifting.  

• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as is compliant with policies and procedures.   

• Ability to work in fast-paced lab environments.  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines. 

• Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems. 

• Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills. 

 

Safety, Health and Environmental Requirements 

• This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing. 

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.  

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights;  

• Ability to work in confined spaces. 

• Ability to work in a variety of temperatures and potential inclement weather.   

• Ability to withstand extended periods of walking and standing. 

• Ability to move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more, which requires bending and lifting. 

• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as is compliant with policies and procedures. 

Equipment Used 

• Typical office equipment: PC, printer/scanner. 

• Centrifuge, Beakers, Reactors, PH meters and other lab equipment. 

• Use of data visualization software (Power BI including), Microsoft office, LIMS is preferred. 

Working Conditions 

• Time split between pilot plant, office and lab environments. There may be extended periods of sitting or standing at a computer screen or counter.   

• Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations. 

• Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel. 

• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies. 

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage

- 401k with Company Match

- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits

- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us