R&D Associate

I. Rice & Company, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

I. Rice & Co., Inc. is a family-owned food manufacturing plant in Philadelphia seeking an entry-level R&D Associate to support our R&D and Operations teams and grow within the organization.

You will work across kitchen-like labs and production areas, contributing to sample development and flavor evaluations. Responsibilities include documentation, sample fulfillment, weighing ingredients, and learning multiple product lines.

Qualifications

• Kitchen experience may be in various formats: cooking, baking, confectionary
• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Training provided as needed
• Stable work history
• Ability to follow GMPs
• Team environment and independent work skills
• Time-management abilities
• Basic MS Office skills
• Good written and oral communication with attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Maintain proper documentation of raw materials and finished goods, plus sample request logs
• Support sales through fulfillment of daily sample requests
• Weigh/measure ingredients and finished goods for samples
• Learn product lines and functions
• Evaluate product quality for samples
• Assist cross-functional team to meet deadlines
• Help prepare trade show shipments and keep materials organized
• Participate in tastings, flavor testing and sensory evaluations
• Assist in bench and pilot batch prep
• Maintain lab conditions and equipment
• Work across laboratory, office and plant areas

Skills

Kitchen experience

Stable work history

GMP knowledge

Team environment

Time management

MS Office

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Training provided

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

An independent, family-owned business in Philadelphia, I. Rice & Co. has been making quality food products and flavors since 1884. With considerable growth and expansion, we are looking for qualified employees to help in a variety of positions. As a food manufacturing plant, I. Rice & Co. offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, from production coordination to warehouse stocking and inventory organization.

I. Rice & Co. remains open as an essential business to serve our communities producing food in the food service and grocery industry. I. Rice provides a safe environment for employees, providing face masks, multiple handwashing stations, and food production sanitation procedures keeping our facilities clean and our employees safe.

Requirements

R&D Associate Job Description:

This position supports the R&D department along with key members of our sales and operations teams. The role of R&D associate is an entry level position with no previous experience necessary. As R&D Associate you will serve as an adjunct position supporting R&D and Operations with plan to grow within the organization. We are a growing company looking to build our team for continued opportunity!

Essential Jobs and Duties:

• Maintain proper documentation of any raw materials or finished goods, as well as sample request log
• Support sales team through fulfillment of daily sample requests
• Must be able to accurately weigh/measure ingredients as well as finished goods for samples
• Learn the various product lines and functions of each
• Evaluate product for quality standards for samples
• Support cross‑functional team members in order to meet deadlines
• Assist in building trade show shipments, maintaining materials in a clean and organized manner
• Participate in all team activities, including tastings, flavor testing and sensory evaluations
• Assist in preparations of bench and pilot batch work where needed
• Maintain proper lab conditions and a clean working environment, and any necessary equipment maintenance
• Be capable of working in various work settings of the facility including laboratory, office and plant areas

Required Education/Experience:

• Kitchen experience preferred but not required, though may be in various formats: cooking, baking, confectionary
• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Training provided as needed
• Stable work history
• Must be able to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as individually in an environment with changing priorities
• Ability to manage time effectively
• Proficient computer literacy with basic knowledge of MS Office
• Good written and oral communication skills as well as attention to detail

Physical Demands

• Be able to lift 50 pounds
• Be able to withstand long periods of time on one's feet