About this role
Position Summary:
The R&D Specialist plays an important role in supporting product development, innovation, and quality within the R&D team. This position is responsible for preparing and evaluating sauce formulations and customer samples, conducting laboratory testing, maintaining an organized and well-controlled R&D environment, and supporting documentation and regulatory activities as needed.
The R&D Specialist works closely with R&D, Regulatory, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure samples and testing are completed accurately and on time. This role requires strong attention to detail, good organization, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare and organize sauce and food product samples for internal testing, customer evaluations, and product development activities.
- Follow established formulations, procedures, and test methods accurately and consistently.
- Conduct laboratory testing and analysis of R&D samples, including pH, Brix, viscosity, water activity, salt, and other applicable measurements.
- Support shelf-life studies, stability testing, and sensory evaluations, including sample preparation, testing, data collection, and documentation.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and organized records of formulations, test results, samples, and other R&D activities.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe R&D laboratory, including proper labeling, storage, inventory, and handling of ingredients and samples.
- Ensure ingredients, samples, and finished products are properly identified, dated, and stored under the appropriate conditions.
- Support preparation and shipment of customer samples, ensuring samples are prepared accurately, packaged appropriately, and delivered on schedule.
- Work closely with R&D team members to support product development trials, reformulations, and process improvement activities.
- Support plant trials and production activities when required, including sample collection, testing, and documentation.
- Communicate test results, observations, and potential issues clearly and promptly to the appropriate team members.
- Follow all company policies and procedures related to food safety, workplace safety, quality, sanitation, and confidentiality.
- Maintain and operate laboratory equipment properly and report equipment issues or maintenance needs.
- Assist with other R&D projects and activities as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in food science, Nutrition, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in an R&D laboratory, food manufacturing, or related food industry environment.
- Basic understanding of food safety principles, HACCP, GMPs, and applicable food safety programs.
- Hands-on experience with basic food laboratory testing and laboratory equipment is an asset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in testing and documentation.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with R&D, Regulatory, Quality, and Operations teams.
- Ability to follow established procedures while recognizing and communicating deviations or potential issues.
- Comfortable working in a hands-on laboratory and food manufacturing environment.
- Flexible and willing to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, an d departmental needs.