Veterinary Toxicologist (Principal Scientist) Veterinary Toxicologist (Principal Scientist)

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA•St. Louis, MO

4d•$121,000 - $154,000

About The Position

Together, our Research & Product Development team is driven by a shared passion for pets and people. We have the extraordinary opportunity to innovate and develop products that improve pet wellness while remaining pioneers in the industry. We take pride in representing our portfolio of industry firsts with over 500 scientists including nutritionists, chemists, immunologists, microbiologists, veterinarians, and more. We collaborate to bring our ideas to life and make a meaningful impact with an emphasis on safety and sustainability. Join us in this exhilarating journey where innovation knows no bounds, and together, we’ll shape the future of pet care. As a Veterinary Toxicologist, you’ll ensure the chemical safety of pet food, treats, supplements, and litter through expert toxicology risk assessments and alignment with global standards. You’ll evaluate new ingredients, set contaminant limits, and support Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) chemical safety processes across pet care products. This role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to interpret clinical signs in companion animals, foundational nutrition knowledge, and digital proficiency. Come prepared to drive innovation, renovation, regulatory alignment, and a Quality by Design mindset.

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree
PhD or Master’s degree in toxicology or a related health science field, OR 5+ years of professional experience in toxicology, chemical food safety, analytical chemistry, or a related health science discipline
American Board of Veterinary Toxicology (ABVT) certified or meets the eligibility criteria for certification through appropriate education and experience

Responsibilities

Evaluate scientific data to identify potential contaminants in raw materials and develop risk based safety limits for ingredients and finished products
Write and review documentation supporting internal safety limits in conjunction with current product development and quality systems for petfood
Deliver accurate, timely assistance on chemical safety limits, toxin related issues, and quality concerns, while supporting factories and pilot plants with sustainable solutions
Recommend when external studies are needed and work with vendors to complete safety assessments and Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) determinations
Provide scientific data to support company quality principles and compliance with external (national and international) food safety and contaminant requirements
Proactively propose and lead new ideas, projects, and methods—including patentable solutions—while monitoring emerging pet food safety threats and trends
Collaborate across functions to enhance data analysis and risk assessment using IT and AI tools, and lead knowledge building initiatives to enhance processes and outcomes
Participate in internal and external expert networks related to contaminants and chemical food safety