R&D Laboratory Technician

The Lab Technician plays a key role in supporting Riverside’s R&D and Innovation teams through the management of laboratory operations, stability programs, sample preparation, and project support activities. This role helps ensure that technical teams can operate efficiently by maintaining organized workspaces, managing materials and equipment, executing shelf-life studies and supporting product development activities. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail oriented, proactive, and hands-on. The position reports to the Director, Technical Innovation.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate and uphold Riverside’s Core Values; Maintain stock of required ingredients and consumables using FIFO and traceability principles; Ensure cleanliness and tidiness of lab; Improve lab organization and lead good lab practices; Organize and inventory products and ingredients; Maintain R&D lab equipment and tools including calibrations and replacements; Collaborate with Health & Safety and Quality teams; Implement shelf-life protocols per R&D procedures; Organize shelf-life sample storage and prepare samples for sensory evaluations; Conduct shelf-life tastings with R&D team; Support scientists in shelf-life report production; Act as SME for Compusense program; Independently produce benchtop samples, package, and label according to R&D requirements; Follow required procedures to ship samples to customers; Create and manage purchase orders, track invoices, and support procurement processes; Other duties as assigned

Requirements

1+ years of experience, preferably in food R&D, product development, sensory evaluation, laboratories, kitchens, or manufacturing environments; Proficient with MS Office, MS Outlook, MS Excel, SharePoint; Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; Strong interpersonal and communication skills; Proactive and self-motivated; Demonstrated adaptability and grit; Excellent time management and organizational skills; Team player; Ability to sample Riverside brands’ products and ingredients or products of interest; Ability to lift and move ingredients, samples and equipment as required; Ability to travel regularly between Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto/Vaughan area)

Nice to have

Post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, preferably in a science or science-adjacent discipline; Experience in kitchens, laboratories, manufacturing environments; Experience working in food R&D fields, including sensory evaluation, product development

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits program with costs covered by Riverside; RRSP matching or 401k matching; Eligibility to participate in Riverside's Profit Sharing Plan; Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights; Riverside University program and Tuition Reimbursement Program; Open concept work environment