R&D Technologist

I. Rice & Company, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Supplement insurance

Life insurance

401K retirement

Job summary

I. Rice & Co. is seeking a detail-oriented individual to join our R&D team in Philadelphia.

This role supports the development and refinement of formulas through sample batch runs, with emphasis on documentation and cross-functional collaboration to ensure reliable execution across facilities. The ideal candidate has a science background and 1–2 years of manufacturer experience, plus kitchen expertise. You’ll participate in tastings, maintain lab standards, and help advance new flavors from

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or related field with 1-2 years of manufacturer experience.
• Kitchen experience in cooking, baking, or confectionery.
• Good bench skills (weighing, mixing, heating).
• Familiarity with starch, pectin, gums as functional ingredients.
• Understanding of solids, pH, water activity, viscometry/rheology, density, colorimetry, temperature.
• Team-oriented and able to manage time effectively.
• Proficient with MS Office and basic computer literacy.
• Strong written and oral communication with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support the R&D department by assisting in formula development and sample batch runs.
• Document formulas, processing steps, and evaluations for traceability.
• Conduct experimentation and help distinguish results across trials.
• Prepare formulas, specifications, and technical materials for multiple facilities.
• Maintain proper lab conditions and equipment; ensure safety and sanitation.
• Participate in tastings, flavor testing, and sensory evaluations with the team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teammates to meet deadlines.
• Work in lab, office, and plant areas as needed.

Skills

Bench skills

MS Office

Communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Food science knowledge

Ingredient knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science

Related field degree

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

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

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