Research and Innovation Technician

Nature's Touch Inc.; Montreal; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food supplier based in Montreal is looking for an R&I Technician to support their R&D and Innovation teams. This role involves creating product samples, conducting tests, organizing tasting panels, and ensuring lab maintenance. The ideal candidate will have a background in Food Science or similar fields with experience in quality assurance or research and development.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years' experience in QA or R&D.
• Prior food manufacturing and laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of GMP standards and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and testing of new product samples.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and taste panels.
• Manage lab supplies and documentation related to regulatory requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's Degree in Biology

Tools

Smartsheet

Microsoft Office

Job description

Based out of Montreal, Canada, Nature's Touch is one of the largest suppliers of frozen fruit to retailers in North America, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan. We provide a full range of products and support multiple private label programs in addition to our own brands. We are also one of the largest buyers of fruit globally each year and continue to enjoy strong growth in this emerging category in retail.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented R&I Technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support our R&D and Innovation teams in creating new product samples and conducting various tests.

Reports To : Senior Innovation Product Developer

Responsibilities :

• Sample Creation and Testing : Assist in the development and testing of new product samples, ensuring accurate formulation and quality control.
• High quality prototypes for customers : Create final samples based on the product developer's guidance on both lab and pilot scale.
• Lab Maintenance : Manage lab supplies, clean and organize lab spaces, including freezers, and ensure proper storage and management of samples.
• Pilot Experimental Room : Manage pilot supplies, clean and organize pilot equipment.
• Shelf-Life Analysis : Conduct shelf-life studies to evaluate the longevity and stability of products.
• Tasting Panels : Organize and conduct tasting panels to gather feedback on product samples from both R&D and Innovation teams.
• Documentation : Prepare and maintain documentation related to tax credits and other regulatory requirements.
• Production Trials : Support product developers during production trials, ensuring smooth transitions from lab to production scale.
• Formulation Assistance : Collaborate with product developers to refine formulations and conduct necessary testing.
• Data Management : Record and analyze data from experiments and trials, providing insights and recommendations based on findings.

Qualifications :

Education & Experience

• 1-3 years' experience in QA or R&D.
• Prior food manufacturing and laboratory setting experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science , Chemistry, Biology or related fields.
• Knowledge of GMP standards and food safety regulations.
• Experienced with Smartsheet and Microsoft Office.

Characteristics & Abilities :

• Experience in a lab or pilot room setting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in data analysis and documentation.
• Experience in food manufacturing or related fields
• Excellent knowledge of GMP
• Ability to work in cold environment (freezer) and to lift 30 lbs boxes
• Food enthusiast and taste explorer (ability to taste all fruits).
• Able to communicate organoleptic qualities unambiguously.