Research and Development Specialist

Plenus Group Inc; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Plenus Group Inc. seeks an R&D Specialist to collaborate with the R&D Director, culinary team, and production staff to move new products into production and update existing products in production.

You will ensure food safety compliance under HACCP plans and maintain accurate sample records and inventory. You will prepare samples, support shipments, and assist with formulas under supervision, while maintaining a clean, organized test kitchen and contributing to trade shows and customer

Qualifications

• Associates degree in culinary arts or science preferred.
• 2+ years of related experience in a foodservice and/or manufacturing environment.
• Strong culinary background and skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare sample recipes as directed by the Director of R&D.
• Prepare R&D shipments to customers.
• Manage and record daily production sample reviews and taste panel results.
• Assist in development of formulas and procedures under R&D Director supervision.
• Maintain and manage sample inventory and record keeping on all development samples.
• Assist with trade shows and customer presentation.
• Record the product attributes such as: pH, consistency, water activity.

Skills

Follow instructions

Food science knowledge

Verbal & written communication

Attention to detail

Time management

MS Office

Education

Associates degree in culinary arts or science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARYThe Research & Development Specialist works with the R&D Director, culinary team, and production staff to place new products into production and update existing products in production. Responsible for food handling in accordance with food safety protocols based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*Prepare sample recipes as directed by the Director of R&D.Prepare R&D shipments to customers.Manage and record daily production sample reviews and taste panel results.Assist in development of formulas and procedures under R&D Director supervision.Maintain and manage sample inventory and record keeping on all development samples.Assist in requisitioning and recording usage of raw materials/ingredients as needed.Maintain a neat, sanitized and organized test kitchen.Assist with trade shows and customer presentation.Record the product attributes such as: pH, consistency, water activity.PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESBeing able to follow instructionsBasic understanding of food science and technical applicationExcellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organizationStrong attention to detailImpeccable time management skillsProficient in Microsoft Office applicationsWORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDSWork is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking.Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching.Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull medium weights, up to 60 pounds.Requires activities involving being around moving machinery, exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity, and exposure to dust, food allergens and gas.Must be able to work in the heat/steam and cold environment and do manual labor.Some travel may be required.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEAssociates degree in culinary arts or science preferred2+ years of related experience in a foodservice and/or manufacturing environmentStrong culinary background and skillsThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this classification. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other food safety related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing safety needs of the organization.