R&D Technologist

I.Rice & Company; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

401K retirement plan

Supplement insurance options

Job summary

I. Rice & Co. in Philadelphia is seeking an entry-level Food Scientist/Formulation Assistant to support the R&D team with formula development, sample batch runs and documentation.

The role emphasizes hands-on bench work, sensory evaluation and collaboration across facilities, with 1–2 years of manufacturer experience and a BS in Food Science; benefits include health and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Food Science with 1–2 years in a manufacturer setting.
• Hands-on bench skills (weighing, mixing, heating).
• Familiarity with sensory evaluation and product testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Weigh and measure dry or liquid ingredients and mix using equipment.
• Assist in preparing formulas, specifications and processing procedures.
• Maintain documentation on formulations, testing and product evaluation.
• Perform sensory evaluation of new products and participate in tastings.
• Support cross-functional teams to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Work in laboratory, office and plant environments as needed.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Documentation

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

Bachelor of Science in Food Science

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.

Job Description

This position supports the R&D department through assisting in the execution and development of formulas through sample batch runs for new and existing products. In this role, documentation is a key function to ensure the appropriate next steps are executed on subsequent levels. Additionally, willingness to perform experimentation is of importance, not one who just follows procedures but also is one who is interested in distinguishing results from each other.

Essential Jobs and Duties:

• Must be able to accurately weigh/measure and then mix dry or liquid ingredients using various types of equipment
• Assist in preparation of formulas, specifications, processing procedures, and any other technical material that allow for consistent and reliable execution in multiple manufacturing facilities, and meet international legal requirements where possible
• Maintains proper documentation on product formulations, testings, and evaluation of products
• Execute sensory evaluation of new products
• Support cross-functional team members in order to meet deadlines
• Participate in all team activities, including tastings, flavor testing and sensory evaluations
• Maintain proper lab conditions and equipment maintenance
• Be capable of working in various work settings of the facility including laboratory, office and plant areas

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or related field of study, along with 1-2 years of experience in manufacturer setting – including formulation, pilot batching and scale up
• Kitchen experience is essential, though may be in various formats: cooking, baking, confectionary
• Good bench skills (weighing, mixing, heating)
• Familiarity with functional ingredients, such as starch, pectin, gums
• Understanding of instrumental measurements including solids, pH, water activity, viscometry/rheology, density (pycnometer), colorimetry, temperature
• 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

I.Rice & Co. is a family-owned and -operated company with a diverse workforce. Management is devoted to seeing our employees grow as team members and in developing new skills and knowledge to further their own value within the industry.

In addition to health care, we offer the following benefits:

• Various supplement insurance policies following 90 days
• Life insurance following 90 days
• 401K retirement after completion of one-year of employment during open enrollment