R&D​/Application Specialist – Fiber portfolio

Job Description

Job Title:

R&D/Application Specialist – Fiber portfolio

Location:

This is a full-time on-site position based out in Oakville, Ontario.
Status:
Permanent, full-time (1). This is a newly created opportunity.
As an  R&D / Application Specialist , you will report to the  R&D/Innovation Manager  to drive innovation within our Fiber portfolio. You will lead the development of prebiotic fiber applications, create innovative ingredient solutions, and provide technical expertise to support customer success and business growth.
Working at the intersection of science, innovation, and commercialization, you will transform technical challenges into market-ready solutions and showcase new product concepts that help our customers bring exceptional products to life.
At Quadra, we put people first so that together, we can reimagine the possibilities.
With over 650 employees across North America, we offer a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where innovation, autonomy, and continuous growth are encouraged. Proudly certified as a  Great Place to Work®  and recognized as one of Canada's  Best Managed Companies  for over 20 years, Quadra is a place where you can make a real impact while growing your career!
What would be your main responsibilities as a R&D/Application Specialist?:
Lead all new prebiotic product development, including product troubleshooting and improvement, as well as concept development.
Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop trend-driven product concepts by leveraging category insights, consumer trends, and competitive intelligence to identify whitespace opportunities for innovation.
Partner with the commercial team to identify and deliver on dedicated project opportunities for our partners.
Develop expertise with products, ingredients, and formulation techniques across a variety of product categories outside of dietary supplements, including functional food and pet nutrition.
Maintain R&D laboratory operations, ingredient inventories, and ensure adherence to Good Laboratory and Manufacturing Practices (GLMP).
Stay ahead of emerging market trends and technology advancements in the dietary supplement and better-for-you product industries to facilitate continuous improvement.
Represent Quadra at industry trade shows and events, gathering market intelligence and showcasing our capabilities.
Collaborate with the commercial team in customer calls and presentations, serving as a subject matter expert.
Work closely with Quality Assurance to review all technical documentation related to projects and product development including product specifications, nutritional tables, labels, materials, and Bills of Material.
Provide technical support to leadership, commercial team, quality assurance, and the operations team to assist with troubleshooting, problem solving and team technical trainings
Gather customer feedback and marketplace review insights to continuously improve formulations, application concepts, and future innovation strategies.
What are the requirements to be successful in this position?:
Bachelor’s degree degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry or a related program is required.
A minimum of 4 years of experience formulating supplements, nutritional products, or better-for-you food products, with experience in ready-to-mix powders considered an asset.
Hands-on experience with formulation, product development, and troubleshooting, ideally with functional ingredients, fibers, prebiotics, or starches.
Strong understanding of food processing technologies, including heating, mixing, extrusion, and ingredient functionality.
Demonstrated application of prebiotic and/or resistant starch ingredients in various product formats is considered an asset. Strong organizational, time management, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
Demonstrated value creation and delivery of applications projects on time and on budget.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect easily with internal and external business partners.
Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced…