At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimize dairy products from concept to commercialization using cutting-edge food science.
- Company: Join a leading dairy innovation company in Hamilton with a focus on R&D excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings, paid vacation, and more perks.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and learning in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the dairy industry while working on exciting product development projects.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in Food Science or related field; 3+ years of product development experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 75300 - 125300 $ per year.
Location
Hamilton (onsite role)
Reports to
Senior Manager, R&D Capabilities & Excellence
The pay range for the role is $75,300 to $125,300 plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings plan, paid vacation, and other perks and opportunities.
Job Scope
Reporting to the Senior Manager, R&D Capabilities & Excellence, the Research Scientist - Product Development develops, optimizes, and commercializes dairy products from concept through commercialization readiness.
This position applies the latest scientific and technical knowledge in food science, with a focus on dairy science and technology, to develop, optimize, and commercialize products that support business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Principal Scientist-led research, innovation, technology evaluation, and product platform development activities.
- Lead assigned product development projects from concept through commercialization readiness.
- Develop and optimize product formulations using dairy science, ingredient functionality, sensory science, and processing knowledge.
- Develop and apply analytical methods and equipment to support product development and research activities.
- Plan and execute laboratory, benchtop, pilot, and plant-scale development activities and experiments.
- Evaluate ingredients and technologies for technical feasibility and commercialization potential.
- Translate business, consumer, quality, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements into clear technical product solutions.
- Analyze experimental and trial data and provide evidence-based technical recommendations.
- Support scale-up, validation, and commercialization activities in partnership with Operations and cross-functional teams.
- Drive technical problem-solving related to product quality, ingredient performance, processing, shelf-life, sensory performance, and regulatory compliance.
- Design, execute, and interpret sensory evaluations to support formulation development, product optimization, and technical decision-making.
- Monitor new and existing product performance and recommend improvements as required.
- Maintain accurate formulations, specifications, project information, technical reports, and trial documentation within approved R&D systems.
- Ensure technical knowledge and project learnings are documented and retained.
- Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Marketing, Procurement, suppliers, research institutions, and other partners as required.
- Communicate technical findings, recommendations, risks, and project updates clearly and professionally.
- Share technical knowledge and contribute to R&D capability building, continuous improvement, and best practices.
- Adhere to Food Safety and Quality System responsibilities outlined in applicable SOPs and training materials.
- Undertake other relevant responsibilities based on business needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Technology, or a related field required; advanced qualifications considered an asset.
- Minimum three years of relevant product development, applied research, or technical commercialization experience within the food industry, preferably dairy.
- Experience using product characterization methods, such as rheology, viscosity, texture or related analytical testing to support formulation development and troubleshooting is preferred.
Skills
- Strong scientific foundation in food and dairy science.
- Knowledge of dairy ingredients, formulation development, sensory evaluation, shelf-life, and dairy manufacturing processes.
- Experimental design, data analysis, technical report writing, and evidence-based decision-making skills.
- Ability to interpret analytical and product characterization results to support product and process decisions.
- Strong technical problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities.
- Effective project management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate across diverse, cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work independently while seeking guidance for complex or high-risk technical decisions.
- Ability to learn and use relevant formulation, ERP, specification, reporting, and project management systems, including D365, Optiva, Power BI, and WMS.
- Flexibility to support pilot, plant, and commercialization activities outside regular schedules when required.
- Access to a car and valid License for driving in Ontario.
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Research Scientist in Hamilton employer: Gay Lea
At Gay Lea Foods, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As the Senior Director of Cheese Business, you will have the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives in a supportive environment that values employee growth and development. With a hybrid work model and a commitment to enhancing profitability and market share, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the dairy industry while enjoying a fulfilling career.
