JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: The R&D Specialist participates in all functions of research and development including but not limited to, formulation development, raw material evaluation, technical troubleshooting, packaging testing, and employee training to meet company standards for product quality, production efficiency, and profitability by performing these duties in a timely manner.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS & RESPONSIBILTIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Strategic planning, sales planning, collaborating with others:

• Prepare and operate equipment for the development of food and nutritional products.

o Spray dryers, homogenizers, mixers, etc.

• Prepare and operate equipment for the testing of food and nutritional products.

o Moisture meters, particle size analyzers, viscometers, microscope, etc.

• Assist in designing and planning experiments and studies to explore new ideas, technologies, or products in alignment with organizational goals

• Interact with external customers, scientists, and other departments internally as needed

o defining specific parameters for projects

o Identify obstacles and propose solutions

o reporting results

• Perform all sample generation as needed for in-house work and customer specific requests

• Perform sensory and application analysis on product development samples.

• Maintain thorough and organized documentation of experiments, procedures, methods, and results of all R&D work

• Work with the cross-functional team on implementation of process changes required to move samples from laboratory work to production scale up

• Research new innovative products and technologies

• Provide subject matter expertise to all internal departments as needed

• Proper handling, cleaning, and maintenance of food production equipment; this can range from glassware, hot plates homogenizers, etc.

• Receive, collect, and verify incoming materials related to R&D lab food and nutritional development

• Perform all technical procedures adhering to the operation, technical, and internal quality control policies, and guidelines with minimal supervision.

• Performing clerical duties regarding the upkeep and file management for research and development documents

• General routine maintenance on spray dryers, mixing equipment, laboratory equipment, etc.

• Fully understand food standards, safety and sanitary regulations, and good manufacturing practices.

• Be able to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Other duties as agreed upon.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree within Food Science or equivalent

• 0-2 years within product development for food manufacturing

• Working knowledge and experience within lab and/ or pilot plant

• Proven R&D experience, particularly as it relates to food applications of dry ingredients

• Demonstrated ability to create solutions and communicate the solutions to all stakeholders

• Experience in creating client-focused solutions based on customer needs

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time while paying strict attention to detail

• Proven track record of team participation, success and values

• Excellent listening and presentation skills

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills

• Demonstrate spray dryer expertise preferred

• Experience and knowledge of personalized nutrition and wellness markets, related but not limited to functional foods, sports nutrition, diet foods, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, medical foods, gut health, metabolic health

BRC REQUIREMENTS/ RESPONSIBILITIES: Support BRC by maintaining food safety and food quality through completing job tasks and maintaining the work area in a sanitary manner following prescribed procedures. Report food safety problems to the Production Supervisor or QA Manager. Follow GMP and Prerequisite Programs.