Food R&D Research Technician

JobDiva, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 57,308,000 - 68,770,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K

Dental insurance

Life Insurance

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO

Job summary

On-Board Services, Incorporated is seeking an entry-level Food R&D Research Technician to support dessert product and process development in a fast-paced test kitchen in Buffalo, NY.

The role focuses on prototype creation and collaboration with Product Development Scientists; prior culinary or food lab experience is preferred; 3-month contract with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Science, Food Science, Food Preparation, or related field.
• 1+ year hands-on food preparation experience in a high-volume or production environment.
• Experience with dessert products such as cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, donuts, or ice cream preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support routine and non-routine R&D tasks in dessert product development.
• Prepare prototypes and samples of dessert foods for evaluation.
• Document laboratory work, experiments, and results clearly.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones.

Skills

Food preparation

Attention to detail

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Culinary Science, Food Science, Food Preparation, or related field

Job description

About Us

On-Board Services, Incorporated is an on-site contract service provider for a local manufacturing entity providing full-time positions to our employees. We offer benefits as well as 401k.

On-Board Services, Incorporated is an on-site contract service provider for a local manufacturing entity providing full-time positions to our employees. We offer benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

On-Board was founded in 1976 by Robert L. Wilson to provide Engineering and Design services to the chemical manufacturing industry. Today, On-Board is a thriving privately held family of companies with services including: Consulting, Professional Engineering, Industrial Maintenance and Facility Management, Contracted Manufacturing and Production Services, as well as Temporary Staffing and Recruiting throughout North America.

The On-Board Family of Companies conducts operations through its Corporate Headquarters located in East Windsor, NJ along with Regional Offices in New Castle, DE and Wake Forest, NC. On-Board’s Mission is to provide “Flexible Service by applying the talents of our people, work processes and technology to meet our clients’ expectations in a Safe, Responsible and Dependable manner.”

On-Board Companies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Position Details

Title: Food R&D Research Technician

Position Type: 3-month contract with additional opportunity contingent upon performance and continued business need

Job Location: Buffalo, NY

Shift: 1st shift

Benefits:

• 401K
• Dental insurance
• Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• PTO

Compensation: $20-$24/HR

About the Role

We are seeking an entry-level Research Technician to provide hands-on laboratory and test kitchen support for an R&D team focused on dessert food product and process development. This role is primarily focused on prototype and sample creation rather than finished-product analytical testing. The ideal candidate will have a culinary background, hands-on food preparation experience, or Food R&D laboratory experience and will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on test kitchen environment. The Research Technician will work closely with Product Development Scientists to prepare and evaluate prototypes, conduct basic experiments, document results, and support product development projects.

Responsibilities

Technical Support – 70%

• Perform routine and non-routine R&D tasks with limited supervision, following established procedures and direction from Product Development Scientists.
• Prepare prototypes and samples of dessert food products, including cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, donuts, and ice cream.
• Support new product development, product improvements, and process development initiatives.
• Follow approved methods and procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Accurately document laboratory work, experiments, observations, and results in lab notebooks or designated computerized systems.
• Prepare samples and assist with setup for product cuttings and evaluation sessions.
• Manage daily priorities and adjust to changing project needs while escalating issues when appropriate.
• Prepare, use, clean, and properly store laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Follow established procedures when operating laboratory and food preparation equipment.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and organized work environment in accordance with food safety, quality, and safety standards.
• Work collaboratively with R&D, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, QA, and Operations as needed to support project milestones.

Experiments & Analysis – 30%

• Support basic laboratory and pilot plant experiments related to dessert food product and process development.
• Conduct experiments independently or in collaboration with other team members.
• Accurately measure, record, and communicate experimental results.
• Follow established methods and procedures while making appropriate adjustments based on observations and direction from the project team.
• Collect and record accurate measurements from laboratory and pilot plant experiments.
• Communicate observations and results clearly to Product Development Scientists and other project team members.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Science, Food Science, Food Preparation, or a related field; OR
• 1+ year of hands-on food preparation experience in a high-volume or production-based food environment, such as an R&D kitchen, commercial kitchen, bakery, or food product development setting.
• Hands‑on food preparation experience; experience with dessert products such as cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, donuts, or ice cream is preferred.
• Culinary background or Food R&D experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, hands‑on test kitchen environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and proper documentation.
• Basic critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to accurately collect, record, and communicate data following standard procedures.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a cross‑functional team.
• Strong willingness to learn and follow established procedures and instructions.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Occasional climbing of steps and/or ladders.
• Ability to use hand tools and precision instruments requiring fine motor skills.
• May be exposed to food ingredients, chemicals, cleaning agents, and varying temperatures.
• Regular and predictable onsite attendance is required.