Product Development Scientist II

Rich's, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in food service, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others.

With more than 13,500 associates working globally in 100 countries and annual sales of $5.9 billion, Rich's is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich's-Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

Purpose Statement

Product Development Scientist II

Location:

Buffalo, NY

The Product Development Scientist II is responsible for new product development, product maintenance, and product improvement by collaborating with cross-functional teams to support development and commercialization of products. Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field, and relevant professional experience in food-related research and development.

Travel 25% domestic US and Canada.

Salary: $68,266 per year.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

New Product Development/Product Improvements/Cost reductions

* Prepares prototype and line extension products using research lab, pilot lab, manufacturing facilities and equipment, as required. Typical project assignments involve small product line extensions and iterative new products (e.g. modifying a customized product formula to create a new product).

* Plans, organizes and completes projects of modest scope or are a segment of a larger project. Selects and/or develops appropriate methods for conducting projects and assists in designing experiments.

* Interfaces frequently with various internal departments (i.e. Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering) and customers in accomplishing project milestones.

* Selects and evaluates raw materials for experiments

* Sets-up, operates and maintains research lab equipment.

* Works with outside labs, universities, ingredient suppliers and lab equipment vendors as needed by project activity

* Designs and conducts complex shelf life and storage studies, including product and package performance under various conditions and makes recommendations for appropriate adjustments in product and/or package as required.

* Designs and conducts storage studies, including product and package performance under various conditions

* Performs complex measurements and statistical analysis.

Technical Support

* Presents results of complex experiments and recommendations to various groups, both internally and externally.

* Orders materials for producing and evaluating complex prototypes

* Develops solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity by applying extensive technical knowledge and experience.

Record-keeping

* Maintains accurate, up to date records, laboratory notebooks and computer database

* Prepare and document all plant validation trials according to department protocol.

* Ensures the work environment is sanitary, safe, and orderly.

* Maintains a sanitary, safe and orderly work environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Experience with or academic exposure to:

* Food grains, including ingredient functionality and structure-function relationships in grain-based food systems and baked food applications.

* Advanced Statistical analysis of food research experiments

* Research-driven formulation development and performance evaluation of food system using research or pilot lab

* Self-driven research projects and setting up, operating and maintaining a research lab, conducting analytical method validation, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

* Analytical testing and resolving product related technical issues by designing experimentation to identify root cause, developing technical solutions, implementing changes, and reporting results

* Cross-disciplinary research integrating food microbiology, materials science, and food chemistry to evaluate product safety and stability

Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes.

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Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are…