R&D Co-Op (Jan- August Term)

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood); Toronto; On-site; CAD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood) in Canada seeks a Technical R&D Co-op Student to support the MadeGood R&D team in renovation and commercialization of innovative food products.

Working with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to R&D projects and quality improvements. The successful candidate will conduct bench-top testing, document results, assist plant trials, and provide data-driven insights in a fast-paced environment, while embracing Riverside's values and safety

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in post-secondary Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in food manufacturing, kitchen or lab environments is an asset.
• Proficient with MS Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D activities including bench-top testing and product evaluations.
• Document results, methodologies and observations clearly for stakeholders.
• Assist with pilot plant trials and product commercialization efforts.
• Maintain project records and ensure data-driven decision making.

Skills

Proactive mindset

Strong analytical skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Post-secondary Food Science/Technology student

Experience in food manufacturing

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2030, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

Purpose

The Technical R&D Co-op Student supports the MadeGood R&D team in renovation, and commercialization of innovative food products. Working alongside cross-functional teams, this role contributes to R&D projects, equipment and line commissioning, plant trials, product launches, and troubleshooting initiatives that help bring high-quality products from concept to commercialization.

The successful candidate will assist with a variety of R&D activities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include conducting research, performing bench-top testing and product evaluations, supporting pilot and manufacturing trials, documenting results, and assessing product feasibility. The co‑op student will also contribute to day‑to‑day support by applying strong analytical, problem‑solving, and attention‑to‑detail skills.

This role is ideal for a curious, hands‑on learner who is passionate about food science. The successful candidate will demonstrate creativity, scientific curiosity, strong organizational and documentation skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. They will embody Riverside's core values, collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, and contribute with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to delivering accurate, data‑driven results.

Primary Responsibilities

• Demonstrate and uphold Riverside’s Core Values
• Keep abreast of industry trends, new technologies and ingredients in the global snack marketplace and beyond
• Attend seminars & vendor meetings, etc. to expand knowledge of ingredient functionality, industry trends, etc.
• Build collaborative relationships with existing or new ingredient vendor partners on innovative use of existing or new ingredients
• Use sound scientific evidence when conducting scientific testing to seek truth, rather than success or failure. Use this information to make informed decisions and provide actionable insights.
• Independently conduct benchtop evaluations of new food products using SOPs. Document all formulas, methodologies, observations and results. Communicate information clearly to stakeholders.
• Support plant trials through data collection, organization, material preparation and clean up
• Support day‑to‑day production troubleshooting with a collaborative mindset and data‑driven problem‑solving skills
• Create product samples for evaluation on benchtop or pilot plant scale with meticulous attention to detail. Package and label samples appropriately for intended use.
• Develop and maintain accurate project records to ensure seamless transitions of project ownership and capture learnings from project successes and failures
• Participate in shelf‑life program by tasting products & providing objective feedback on a weekly basis. Arrange shelf‑life tastings when Lab Technician is unavailable.
• Respect and promote the company’s health and safety program, maintaining a safe working environment and ensure the continued compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety act and JHSC recommendations
• Adhere to all Riverside food safety policies and procedures
• Manage organization and documentation of personal project load
• Demonstrate flexibility adaptability when faced with changes to project scope and timelines
• Support onboarding of new staff as needed
• Other duties as required

Education And Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in post‑secondary Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field program
• Experience in food an asset (manufacturing, kitchen, laboratory, etc.)
• Experience working in kitchens, laboratories, pilot plants, and/or food manufacturing facilities
• Proficient with MS office suite

Reporting Relationships

The position reports to a Senior Food Scientist in Technical R&D.

Skills And Abilities

• Proactive and self‑motivated; able to see gaps and take OWNERSHIPto fill them without being asked