Food Systems Lifecycle Assessment Analyst

Overview

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive lifecycle impact assessments on novel food ingredients and traditional agricultural commodities.
• Develop quantitative models to measure greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, and water depletion across supply chains.
• Collect primary data from manufacturing sites and agricultural producers to ensure model accuracy and reliability.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and visualizations for internal stakeholders and external regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with product development teams to identify opportunities for reducing the environmental impact of new formulations.
• Monitor emerging environmental regulations and international standards to ensure organizational compliance.
• Conduct sensitivity and uncertainty analyses to validate the robustness of environmental impact claims.

Qualifications

• A master degree in environmental science, agricultural engineering, or a related quantitative field is essential.
• Proficiency in lifecycle assessment software such as SimaPro, GaBi, or OpenLCA is required.
• Demonstrated experience in statistical analysis and data management using tools like Excel, R, or Python.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 14040 and 14044 standards for lifecycle assessment methodology.
• Strong technical writing skills for the production of peer-reviewed research or corporate sustainability reports.

Nice to have

• A PhD specializing in industrial ecology or sustainable food systems provides a significant competitive advantage.
• Experience with carbon footprinting protocols and Science Based Targets initiatives enhances professional standing.
• Prior experience working directly within a large-scale food manufacturing or global agribusiness environment.

Work environment

• The work is primarily office-based with occasional travel to manufacturing facilities or agricultural sites for data audits.
• Standard business hours are typical, though deadlines for corporate sustainability reporting may require periods of increased intensity.
• Teams are often multidisciplinary, requiring regular communication with scientists, supply chain managers, and marketing executives.
• Advanced computational tools and proprietary environmental databases are the primary instruments for daily tasks.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation often includes performance-based bonuses tied to the achievement of corporate sustainability milestones.
• Career progression typically leads to roles such as Director of Sustainability or Lead Environmental Scientist.
• Professional development is supported through specialized certifications in carbon accounting and environmental auditing.
• The growing emphasis on ESG reporting ensures a high demand for these specialized analytical skills across the food industry.