Research Scientist Jobs at Hershey USA
If you are looking for a high-impact research scientist role that blends food science innovation with global brand leadership, this opportunity at The Hershey Company is ideal. This senior-level position offers exciting food science jobs for life science professionals eager to lead R&D projects, develop new products, and influence the future of sweets and refreshment products in the United States.
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company is a global leader in confectionery and snacking innovation, known for iconic brands and a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and scientific excellence. Through jobs at Hershey Company, scientists and innovators collaborate to develop products enjoyed worldwide while building meaningful, long-term careers.
Job Details:
- Job Title: Sr. Research Scientist, R&D – US CMG Sweets
- Company: The Hershey Company
- Location: Hershey, PA
- Requisition Number: 125931
- Travel: ~25% (U.S. & International)
Role Summary
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Sweets and Refreshment, the Senior Research Scientist supports project leadership across multiple medium-complexity projects and may begin leading a program with guidance. This role requires moderate to high autonomy, growing technical breadth, and the ability to communicate project challenges and influence direction through cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities of Research Scientist
Product Development & Innovation
- Lead product development projects in the Sweets and Refreshment category
- Focus areas include formulation development, ingredient development, capacity expansion, supply continuity, and product transformation
- Perform development from bench-scale to pilot plant to full manufacturing scale
- Provide technical feasibility assessments for new product concepts
Technical Leadership
- Apply scientific rigor and sound technical principles
- Teach and share technical knowledge with peers
- Support quality and value improvements through partnership with Supply Chain
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with teams across:
- Marketing
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Quality & Regulatory
- Project Management
- Technology Development
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities For Research Scientist
- Experience leading innovation initiatives (product development, quality improvement, cost optimization, or process optimization)
- Ability to learn and apply new technical knowledge through development and commercialization
- Technical expertise in sweets & refreshments (chewy sweets, high-boiled sweets, polyols preferred)
- Strong understanding of processing platforms and manufacturing scale-up
- Knowledge of capital project development, including equipment selection, commissioning, and start-up
- Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable adapting to change
Education & Experience Requirements
- PhD in Food Science, Biology, or related field with 0–2 years of experience
- MS with 2–4 years of related experience
- BS with 4–6 years of related experience
