Research and Development Technologist

CareersInFood.com; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supplement insurance after 90 days

Life insurance after 90 days

401K after 1 year

Job summary

I. Rice & Co. is a family-owned food manufacturing company in Philadelphia seeking an R&D support specialist with a BS in Food Science and 1–2 years of industry experience. You will assist in formula execution, document formulations, and contribute to sensory evaluations.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, maintain lab standards, and support production with precise measurements and procedures across facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or related field with 1–2 years in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with formulation, pilot batching and scale-up is required.
• Kitchen experience is essential across formats: cooking, baking, confectionery.
• Good bench skills: weighing, mixing, heating.
• Familiarity with functional ingredients (starch, pectin, gums).
• Knowledge of instrumental measurements (solids, pH, water activity, viscometry).
• Ability to work in teams or individually amid shifting priorities.
• Strong time management and communication skills, attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D by assisting in formula execution and development via sample batch runs.
• Document formulations, tests and evaluations for traceability.
• Prepare formulas, specifications and processing procedures for multiple facilities.
• Perform sensory evaluations of new products and participate in tastings.
• Assist cross-functional teams to meet deadlines.
• Maintain lab conditions and equipment; work across lab, office and plant areas.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor of Science in Food Science

Tools

MS Office

Job description

An independent, family-owned business in Philadelphia, I. Rice and Company 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 and Co. offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, from production coordination to warehouse stocking and inventory organization.

I. Rice and 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 Research and Development 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

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