Research And Development Associate

CareersInFood.com; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

I. Rice & Co., an independent family-owned food manufacturer in Philadelphia, is seeking an entry-level R&D Associate to support the product development process from bench to market.

You will execute pilot plant batches, weigh ingredients, and assist in sample creation, tastings, and sensory evaluations while maintaining proper documentation in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Training is provided as needed and you will work across lab, office, and plant areas.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• GMPs training provided as needed.
• Ability to work in a team environment and individually.
• Proficient MS Office with basic computer literacy.
• Strong written and oral communication and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Execute multiple pilot plant production batches daily to support the R&D team commercialization process.
• Accurately weigh ingredients and finished goods for samples.
• Learn the product lines and functions of each.
• Evaluate product to verify quality standards.
• Maintain documentation for raw materials, finished goods, and samples.
• Assist in building product samples and trade show shipments.
• Participate in tastings, flavor testing and sensory evaluations.
• Assist in bench work and application testing where needed.
• Maintain proper lab conditions and a clean working environment.
• Support cross-functional team members to meet deadlines.
• Be capable of working in laboratory, office, and plant areas.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Attention to detail

Time management

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.

R&D Associate Job Description:

This position supports the R&D department along with key members of our sales and operations teams.The R&D Associate serves in an adjunct position supporting R&D and Operations by engaging in every phase of the product development process. This is an entry level position with no previous experience necessary. We are a growing company and are expanding our team to support this growth.

Essential Jobs and Duties:

• Execute multiple pilot plant production batches daily to support the R&D team commercialization process
• Accurately weigh/measure ingredients as well as finished goods for samples
• Learn the various product lines and functions of each
• Evaluate product to verify quality standards
• Maintain proper documentation of any raw materials or finished goods, as well as sample request log
• Assist in building product samples and trade show shipments
• Participate in all team activities, including tastings, flavor testing and sensory evaluations
• Assist in preparations of bench work and application testing where needed
• Maintain proper lab conditions and a clean working environment, and any necessary equipment maintenance
• Support cross-functional team members in order to meet deadlines
• Be capable of working in various work settings of the facility including laboratory, office, and plant areas
• Thrive working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities

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
• 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