Research and Development Technician

Job Category:
Research & Development Job Family:
Applied Research & Development

Job Description:

The Research and Development Technician independently coordinates assigned day-to-day R&D support activities that directly contribute to accurate shelf-life evaluation, sensory support, laboratory readiness, and timely sample receiving and shipment. The role owns established shelf-life workflows, prepares and tracks sensory samples, maintains pH measurement equipment, completes routine laboratory support, and recognizes and addresses issues within established procedures and escalates more complex matters as appropriate.

The technician works under moderate supervision, uses discretion within defined operational boundaries, provides clear technical information, and status updates to R&D partners.

• Executes the assigned shelf-life workflow by receiving, verifying, logging, labeling, storing, retrieving, and preparing product samples in accordance with established protocols;
• maintain complete, accurate, and traceable shelf-life records and reports. Compile, review, and finalize sensory data reports;
• verify information for completeness and accuracy, investigate minor discrepancies, and distribute results to scientists and other designated R&D partners.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory, sensory, and pilot plant environment in compliance with safety and food quality standards.
• Assist Sensory scientist by ordering and preparing samples for taste panels, product cuttings, and various trainings.
• Clean, calibrate, and perform preventative maintenance on pH probes.
• Ship samples to customers and plant locations.
• Communicate observations, data-quality concerns, equipment issues, supply needs, risks, and progress updates to R&D partners;
• explain established practices and procedures and recommend practical solutions for manager or scientist review.
• Follow all applicable Good Laboratory Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety, quality, sanitation, allergen, chemical-handling, and employee safety requirements.
• May be asked to assist scientists with routine laboratory testing.

• Associate’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field, or equivalent experience.
• Typically requires basic prior experience in a laboratory, pilot plant, or manufacturing environment.
• Foundational knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices and food safety principles.
• Ability to follow established procedures, document work accurately, and execute tasks with attention to detail.
• Basic proficiency with pH meters.
• Fundamental experience with laboratory management, sensory and shipping software systems is desired.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work within a team environment.
• Foundational computer skills, including use of common software systems.

Work is performed on site in laboratory, pilot plant, office, applications kitchen, sensory testing, and food manufacturing support environments. Regular on-site presence five days per week is required to perform the essential responsibilities of the role. Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout work areas. Occasionally required to kneel, squat, or crouch when cleaning, stocking, retrieving materials, or supporting equipment-related tasks.

Frequently lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls materials weighing 10 to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Occasionally retrieves materials weighing approximately 10 to 20 pounds from elevated storage locations using approved step stools or rolling ladders, with or without reasonable accommodation. Frequently handles food ingredients,…