Assistant Scientist

Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Rooted in two centuries of family heritage, Beam Suntory has evolved into the world's third largest leading premium spirits company ... where each employee is treated like family and trusted with legacy. With our greatest assets - our premium spirits and our people - we're driving growth through impactful marketing, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. Beam Suntory is a place where you can come Unleash your Spirit by making an impact each and every day.

Assistant Scientist  

The following position is open in Clermont Kentucky, United States.

What makes this a great opportunity?

This position will report to the Director - Applied Technical Research & Process Development within Global R&D. This role enables Beam Suntory Product and Process R&D teams to provide timely samples, testing and business commitments for new process and product development, pilot plant testing, product innovation, stability testing, sample preparation and other related day to day critical business requirements.  Primary focus will be conducting experiments, analysis, maintenance, or testing processes based on standard operating procedures and guidance from scientists and engineers.  This role will support the creation of innovative consumer and customer driven new products/platforms, quality improvements and cost savings, to drive Beam Suntory profitable growth and business success.   

What Makes this a Great Opportunity:

• The spirits industry is an exciting, dynamic, and fast-paced business.  Beam Suntory is a top player in the spirits business and focused on driving both category and brand growth. 
• Responsibility to help further develop RTD capabilities alongside cross-functional teams and external agencies driving a key strategic priority for Beam Suntory.
• Opportunity to work closely with internal cross-functional teams to help create and commercialize products and processes. 

This role enables Beam Suntory Product and Process R&D teams to provide timely samples, testing and business commitments for new process and product development, pilot plant testing, product innovation, stability testing, sample preparation and other related day to day critical business requirements. 

Role Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Executes responsibilities under broad guidelines set by the researcher.  Responsible for appropriate selection, set-up and adjustment of experimental materials and equipment. 
• Manages own time and prioritizes work to deliver on the needs of the scientists and engineers.  Aligns to clear due dates with each requestor, tracking work, communicating variances from expectations and proactive providing options for ways to move forward. 
• Consistently and accurately provides data, tracking, samples, solutions, etc on the project being supported for the scientists/engineers, observing and reacting to situations in the lab and adjusting/re-calibrating as necessary. 
• Proactively manages and handles workload and next steps.  Seeks out answers to questions to eliminate ambiguity and ensures progress is made in areas of both personal and team responsibility. 
• Communicates with manager and team members on a regular basis, with schedule updates and recommendations for efficiency and effectiveness improvements.  Communicates with other BSI and external personnel as needed, such as marketing, ingredient and equipment suppliers, to facilitate work.  
• Plan and execute experiments using established laboratory/pilot plant/operation methods: interpreting results and translate into solutions.  Follow best practices and SOPs for development and promote process improvements for procedures and practices. 
• Participate actively in team building and broader Beam Suntory and external initiatives. 
• Lead and assist with laboratory clean up, including managing and discarding of waste, proper disposal of sample materials, cleaning and organization of glassware and utensils, etc. 

Qualifications & Experience

Additional Qualifications and Experience:

• B.S Food Science, related science, or engineering required, M.S Food Science or related science preferred.   
• Experience in food and/or beverage industry preferred.   
• Proficient skills in planning and performing experiments, data collection, analysis and interpretation. 
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.  Strong working knowledge of standard lab operating procedures
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including timely follow-up and commitment to deliverables, and openness to give and receive feedback.  
• Desire to help build and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within Global R&D and broader Beam Suntory.
• Team player with cooperative, collaborative style supported by good listening and partnering skills.  Culturally sensitive, with ability to work in a global multicultural cross functional organization, requiring ability to work effectively across cultures, time zones to accommodate global responsibilities. 
• Ability to travel to partner in project work with internal and external clients, as well as support implementation at Beam facilities – travel approx. 5-10% mainly within Kentucky.  *When COVID restrictions allow.
• Physically fit for work primarily in a lab, pilot plant and manufacturing environments, which includes long periods of standing, moving, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds.

Must be able to taste limited quantities of alcoholic beverage samples in accordance with evaluation/research needs.

At Beam Suntory, people are our number one priority, and we believe our people grow together in diverse and inclusive environments where their unique insights, experiences and backgrounds are valued and respected. Beam Suntory is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, military veteran status and all other characteristics, attributes or choices protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on an applicant’s skills and experience.