Innovation & Product Implementation - R&D Technician

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking applicants for the position of R&D Technician, Winnipeg.

Reporting to the Senior Food Scientist, Food and Sensory Science, Department of Research, Development and Innovation, the incumbent is innovative, science-driven, and passionate about cannabis products.

What you will be doing:

• Raw material preparation, measurement, blending and formula / recipe transfer from R&D to production.
• Collecting, preparing and/or testing samples to ensure compliance to specification under the supervision of the Senior Food Scientist.
• Collecting, preparing and/or testing samples to examine stability and shelf life of products under the supervision of the Senior Food Scientist and Associate Food Scientist, coordinating sample transfer for laboratory and sensory panel testing; .
• Follow-up and troubleshooting of recipe / formulas based on data analysis and in collaboration with R&D;
• Process and Scale-up transfer from R&D to Operations according to strict quality requirements and under the supervision of Senior Food Scientist.
• Work in conjunction with R&D and Operations to assess and recommend formula/recipe and/or process improvements based on real time monitoring of manufacturing process and results.
• Planning, setting up and undertaking controlled experiments and ingredient trials based on Quality Manager and R&D requirements.
• Clearly, document all data generated and report all work performed – includes creation and documentation of formulation, formulation and experimental protocol, execution of experiments in conjunction with Laboratory Technician, identification, and corrections of developmental and manufacturing issues/problems/observations.
• Maintaining equipment in proper working order and keeping a clean work area.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Who you are?

The ideal candidate will focus on:

• formulation related tasks and contribute to all operational requirements from ingredient and raw material preparation, formula/recipe transfer from R&D to operations.
• Final formulation and specification setting at operational stage/scale-up including manufacturing process observation and improvements as required.
• The ideal candidate will also possess a solid understanding of quality control processes within the food manufacturing industry.
• The R&D Technician will play a crucial role in our efforts to innovate and improve our confectionary products, ensuring they meet our high-quality standards and delight our customers.

To qualify, you will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, food technology, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in food or food processing and manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of confectionary product development, including formulation and recipe optimization.
• Highly effective project management, prioritization, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with different functional groups.
• Ability to operate within an evolving and sometimes ambiguous environment with a sense of urgency.
• Food Science, Food Engineering or other relevant degree, or equivalent experience.
• Self-motivated problem solver and the drive to deliver objectives in a complex environment.
• Highly organized team player with a strong focus on detail and accuracy.
• Experience with cannabis consumer products, sensory methods, and product development would be considered an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Powerpoint, Word).