Technician, R&D

JOB TITLE: Research and Development Technician

DEPARTMENT : Research and Development

REPORTS TO: Principal Scientist

LOCATION: North Kingstown, RI

About Us

Since 1750, Finlays has served as the industry’s trusted leader in the supply of tea, coffee, and botanicals extracts to the world’s beverage brand owners. Through engaged employees and a continuous improvement mindset, Finlays has grown this legacy in the North and South American regions. Finlays Americas delivers safe and consistent “fit for purpose” quality products and services, meeting regulatory requirements and customer expectations by being an integrated, customer-centric solution provider.

Description

Assist in the preparation and conduction of product tasting panels and discrimination testing. To ensure all activities are handled in accordance with Finlays’ mission, business philosophy, ethics, and goals. This position is based in Quonset. This is a temporary, part-time position.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tasting room and materials for Panel sessions twice a week usually Tea/Aroma (Tues) & Coffee (Thurs)
• Maintain Sensory Supplies Inventory and Create new purchase orders
• Support Discrimination testing
• Conduct Taster Education and maintenance training sessions
• Maintain fresh sensory sample inventory and manage sensory work requests
• Data integrity and sample management
• Maintains cleanliness of designated work area.
• Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to taste key differences in products (good sense of smell and taste)
• Knowledge of, or experience in a laboratory environment
• Experience in food and beverage handling
• Knowledge of food safety is a plus
  
  

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform duties around a laboratory environment
  
  

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in related science
  
  

Quality Statement

Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to “be the best” as we produce “only the best”. Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following:

• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
• Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.
• Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
• Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
• Adhere to all health and safety work practices.
• Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it.
• Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always.
• Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.
  
  

Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Finlays Americas is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.