Job Title: Contractor, Food Science and Product Development
Reporting to: Lead, Food Science
Location: Durham, North Carolina
About Pairwise:
Pairwise is a mission-driven, food+tech company dedicated to building a healthier world through better fruits and vegetables. Pairwise was founded in 2017 by scientists at Harvard University, MIT, and Broad Institute who are eminent in the field of gene editing, as well as biotechnology industry pioneers. Our team is tuned in to consumer food trends, and we believe that consumers deserve more variety and innovation in their fresh food choices. We are primed to deliver that innovation through one of the best gene-editing platforms in food and agriculture. Pairwise has an exclusive 5-year research collaboration with Bayer to develop products in corn, soybean, wheat, canola, and cotton. Plus, Pairwise is developing new types of leafy greens, berries, and stone fruit, with the first product expected in late 2023. Pairwise is based in the start-up friendly Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina.
About This Role:
This part-time contract role will be part of the Food Science team responsible for evaluating, characterizing and developing consumer facing food products utilizing our novel salad greens and berries. The Food Science and Product Development contractor will conduct research and analyze data to increase understanding of the sensorial attributes of our materials, prototypes, and finished products. You will take part in product development by preparing benchtop samples, conducting sensory testing, coordinating lab and kitchen equipment usage, and cleaning up. We are looking forward to having you joining our exciting journey and having an impact on us venturing into the fresh produce space. You will work with the Lead of Food Science and be part of the ongoing effort towards understanding the food industry trends and seeking business opportunities. There will be active collaboration with commercial and marketing teams to incorporate consumer feedback on product experience and claims positioning.
Essential Functions:
• Knowledge/experience of sensory testing, data collecting and statistical analysis, basic laboratory instruments and procedures.
• Knowledge/experience of handling fresh produce while understanding and complying with GMP’s, food safety, quality, and legality.
• Knowledge of common food processes, food ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions.
• Must be able to taste different types of food products as part of the day-to-day taste tests.
• Prepare product samples for presentations and sensory testing.
• Provide accurate and timely summaries of experiments performed including data compilation, equipment settings, process parameters, recipe contents, etc.
• Communicates results or observations, making special notes of unexpected observations to stake holders.
• Solid problem-solving skills, attention to detail, high degree or organization, and curiosity.
• Proactive, self-starter with a willingness to pitch in and help.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and excellent follow-up.
• An ability to work in a fast paced, cross-functional team environment with a strong sense of urgency, ability to be agile, multi-task and manage priorities.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Required Education & Experience:
• A minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following disciplines:
o Food Science, Sensory Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Biology, Statistics, Plant Science, Botany, Marketing.
Offerings:
• Casual work environment.
• Mission-driven organization focused on creating healthier fruits and veggies.
• A cutting-edge, driven community looking to lead the industry in innovation and nutrition.
EEO Statement:
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.