Product Development Scientist II

Product Development Scientist II

Location:

Buffalo, NY 14213

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.

The role of the Product Development Scientist 2 will be instrumental in planning and organizing routine, as well as non‑routine research, development activities and assist in improving the quality of existing products. This role will also be key in working on innovation of new products and processes.

This role will be part of our Toppings, Creams & Culinary Solutions (TCCS) category, and is based in Buffalo, NY. There is expected travel of up to 25% with the role.

• Prepares prototype and line extension products using research laboratories, pilot plants, 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 segments of larger projects. Selects and/or develops appropriate methods for conducting projects and assists in designing experiments.
• Interfaces frequently with various internal departments (e.g., Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering) and customers to accomplish project milestones.
• Selects and evaluates raw materials for experiments.
• Sets up, operates, and maintains research laboratory equipment.
• Works with outside laboratories, universities, ingredient suppliers, and laboratory equipment vendors as needed to support project activities.
• Designs and conducts complex shelf‑life and storage studies, including product and package performance under various conditions, and makes recommendations for appropriate product and/or package adjustments as required.
• Performs complex measurements and statistical analyses.

• Presents results of complex experiments and recommendations to various internal and external groups.
• 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.
• Maintains accurate, up‑to‑date records, laboratory notebooks, and computer databases.
• Prepares and documents all plant validation trials according to department protocols.
• Ensures the work environment is sanitary, safe, and orderly.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of food product and/or process development and project management experience from concept through commercialization; OR M.S. in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field with 1+ year of food product and/or process development experience from concept through commercialization.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with UHT processing for any emulsified food products.
• Experience applying advanced mathematics (e.g., statistics) and their practical applications.
• Broad understanding of food science disciplines (e.g., biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, etc.) acquired through both coursework and laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to apply technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a…