R&D Jobs at Land O’Lakes
The R&D Scientist – Dairy role at Land O’Lakes offers an exciting dual opportunity supporting both Dairy Foods R&D and Milk Replacer R&D. This position blends hands-on experimentation, product development, formula optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to advance innovation across dairy and milk replacer product lines. This R&D Scientist role is based in Arden Hills, Minnesota. The candidates getting hired for the R&D Jobs at Land O’Lakes contribute to foundational research, quality assurance, and manufacturing support through scientific expertise and technical leadership.
Job Details:
- Job Title: R&D Scientist – Dairy
- Location: Arden Hills, Minnesota, United States
- Job ID: R-37437
- Category: R&D
- Posted Date: 12/10/2025
- Job Type: Full-time
- Salary Range: $81,200 – $121,800 annually
- Compensation Note: Candidates are typically hired near the midpoint of the range
About the Company:
Land O’Lakes, Inc. is a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative shaping the future of food and agriculture. Recognized as a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn and named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies list, the company prides itself on innovation, integrity, and community partnerships. Employees enjoy a collaborative environment that supports growth, well-being, and long-term career development.
Educational Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field
- Master’s degree preferred
- 3+ years of experience in an R&D setting required
- Preferred experience in food industry environments
Key Responsibilities of the R&D Scientist:
- Execute experiments in lab and pilot plant settings with minimal guidance
- Apply foundational scientific principles to generate accurate and reliable data
- Troubleshoot experimental challenges and routine technical issues
- Analyze and communicate technical findings to cross-functional teams
- Collaborate with Food Chemistry and Dairy Foods product development teams
- Provide process engineering support and formula design guidance
- Review ingredient limits and manage specification deviation approvals
- Serve as subject matter expert in product functionality and quality
- Support R&D research trials, innovation initiatives, and ingredient testing
- Resolve product performance issues and customer complaints
- Provide troubleshooting support for manufacturing plants
Skills Required for the R&D Scientist Role:
- Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and formulation principles
- Experience in quality assurance, product development, or manufacturing operations
- Excellent communication and decision-making abilities
- Ability to interpret testing data and make informed approvals
- Cross-functional collaboration skills
- Ability to support engineering, research and manufacturing teams
- Knowledge of experimental design and scientific methodology
Benefits of the R&D Scientist Job:
- Competitive salary range with mid-range hiring expectation
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, PTO and insurance plans
- Education assistance and employee development programs
- 401(k) plans and wellbeing resources
- Opportunity to work for a Fortune 250, innovative, employee-centered company
- Inclusive, supportive and growth-focused work environment
