RDA Technologist at Priority Activator Consulting

Job Purpose:

The RDA Technologist supports regional growth by managing applied research and innovation projects, focusing on beverage applications. Key duties include developing product-specific recipes, ensuring product stability and safety, managing raw materials, and documenting research results. The role involves hands-on lab work and collaboration with scientists to meet customer needs from concept to commercialization. A background in food science, product development, and teamwork is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Development & Applications Projects:

• Lead end-to-end project management for applied research, technology, and innovation initiatives.
• Oversee sensory evaluation processes for beverages, utilizing various equipment and procedures under the guidance of senior scientists.
• Collaborate with internal and external customers to fulfill project needs from concept to commercialization, including troubleshooting.

New Product Application Recipe Development:

• Apply scientific principles to improve products beyond taste and enhance overall product performance.
• Reassess and refine existing application data to align with customer requirements.

Product & Raw Material Portfolio Management:

• Maintain a standardized stock of collection products and ensure the availability of raw materials and ingredients.

Ingredient Validation:

• Validate ingredient functionality in final products, ensuring they meet customer needs, product stability, and food safety standards through shelf-life studies.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Accurately document all project outcomes, testing results, and research notes in lab books and databases, adhering to established protocols.

Laboratory & Raw Material Management:

• Hands-on involvement in laboratory operations, including data analysis and maintenance of raw material stocks.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain exposure to product development, end-use market applications, and sensory evaluation processes.
• Develop expertise in new product application recipes and the full new product development cycle, from bench development to scale-up.
• Learn how the RDA team applies food science to address customer challenges.
• Enhance communication and collaboration skills across a diverse organization with varied cultures and geographical locations.
• Understand the application of food technology across multiple market segments.
• Hone laboratory skills and data analysis expertise.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Strong interest in ingredient knowledge and recipe formulation.
• Innovative thinker with a natural curiosity and ability to generate creative ideas.
• A self-motivated learner who is open to guidance from senior team members.
• 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory, food plant, or related industry is preferred (internship experience considered).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail with strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly ambitious, with a passion for growth and a commitment to learning.
• Hands-on, proactive approach to tasks and problem-solving.
• Takes ownership and accountability for responsibilities.
• Thrives under pressure and enjoys meeting challenging deadlines.