R&D Sr. Scientist, Product Development

Job Title:                      R&D Sr. Scientist, Product Development (PD)                           

Department:                 Research & Development                                

Reporting To:               R&D Sr. Manager, PD

Welcome to Daiya Foods, where we are the creators of a revolutionary cheese alternative that tastes, shreds, melts and stretches like traditional cheese. Today, as plant-based food grows in popularity, that spirit of innovation continues to inspire our team. Our diverse portfolio of great tasting foods invites everyone to the table. 

Our dedication to minimizing environmental impact extends across our operations. We operate in a manufacturing facility and office that is LEED certified, embodying our commitment to sustainability through the leadership in energy and environmental design principles.

Join our team of food-loving Daiyans, where our shared passion, vision, and ability to bring smiles to each other's faces fuel our journey of plant-based exploration.

Your Future Job

The R&D Sr. Scientist, Product Development (PD) is a self-motivated and curious individual, focused on delivering products and technical solutions for our cheese category. The R&D Sr. Scientist develops formulations and processes, conducts analytical and scales up testing, and commercializes new solutions. The role is responsible for leading the execution for key innovation, product and process improvement, and value engineering projects from the ideation to launch stage.

What You Will Do

• Lead and executes the technical R&D work on multiple product development projects.
• Research new technologies and industry trends, looking for practical applications and benefits for the business, and participates in ideation and technical feasibility assessments for new projects.
• Research, source, and communicate new product concepts, methods of preparation, ingredients, flavours, product use, processes, packaging, and nutritional requirements.
• Source and evaluate ingredients, packaging, etc. from suppliers.
• Develop new and modify existing formulations and processes in benchtop, pilot plant, and production to achieve technical targets for innovation, renovation, and value engineering projects.
• Enter ingredients, formulate products, and create NFPs and ingredient statements using Genesis.
• Design, conduct, and analyze experiments to test ingredients, formulations, and processes, then develop prototypes and products; includes sensory, analytical, micro, and shelf-life testing.
• Lead the development or revisions to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and testing methods.
• Plan, coordinate, and run plant trials.
• Collaborate with FSQA and Operations teams to develop commercialization and hand-off plan, including quality and food safety measures, documentation and specifications, training programs, and ongoing support.
• Lead and troubleshoot production start-up and hand-off in-house and at co-packers.
• Identify and build relationships with new external stakeholders, such as co-manufacturing partners, ingredient suppliers, technical services, and equipment suppliers.
• Maintain accurate records of all technical work, as well as all documentation required for Scientific Research & Experimental Development.
• Collaborate with R&D Sensory team to run tests to measure project progress and inform next steps in product improvements.
• Participate in the maintenance of the R&D lab, includes calibrating equipment, organizing team supplies, and ensuring cleanliness.
• Assist the R&D Lab team with documentation required for new samples and raw materials.

Your Background

• Bachelor’s degree of Science or Engineering in Food Science, Process Engineering, etc. and five (5) years of related experience in food processing or product development, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience working with Canadian and U.S.A food standards and regulations.

What You Bring

• Advanced knowledge of product development process, ingredient functionality and applications, food processing and manufacturing.
• Advanced knowledge of the role of ingredients and process within formulations; can confidently manipulate those variables to achieve desired product attributes.
• Knowledge of Genesis: ingredient entry, formulating, ingredient statement and nutritional fact panel.
• Excellent hands-on culinary and technical lab skills in areas of food analysis, food processing, food structuring, food chemistry and/or food microbiology; ability to partner with third parties to develop new methods/protocols.
• Knowledge with laboratory techniques; includes suggestions for new methods of analysis and developing and validating new protocols.
• Excellent data analysis, visualization, and interpretation skills to interpret results and make recommendations.
• Excellent critical thinking, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent technical project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure with changing priorities and strict deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills, and accurate and efficient record keeping skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationship with cross-functional team and external stakeholders.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint).

Daiya’s Core Competencies

• Emotional Intelligence – You possess the ability to manage emotions, as well as seek to understand the emotions of others around you.
• Growth Mindset – You find opportunities and possibilities when challenged, embrace continuous learning, and constantly strive to grow and improve.
• Effective Communication – You effectively listen, assess, and adjust your communication to align your intention and impact.
• Collaboration – You work with and through others to create great results for Daiya.
• Driving Results – You take the initiative to find solutions, deliver results, maintain focus, and drive accountability.
• Service Excellence – You understand and serve the needs of others (Daiyans, consumers, and our communities)

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

Daiya’s compensation offerings are based on a pay-for-performance philosophy. The pay range for this position is from $75,000 – 90,000 annually; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. Permanent team members may be eligible for our competitive annual bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements.  

At Daiya, investing in our people is a top priority. We believe in building a flexible, hybrid model to make work-life harmony a reality. We strive to build diverse and high performing teams and empower continuous learning to grow and improve ourselves.

• Competitive compensation
• Extended health benefits
• 3 weeks’ vacation
• Flex days
• Retirement savings matching program
• Flexible spending account
• Fun and creative environment
• On-site fitness studio
• On-site practitioners
• Inspiring and innovative work
• Smart and passionate teams
• Making people and the planet a healthier place

At Daiya Foods, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment, one in which employees can bring their whole selves to work everyday.  We welcome and celebrate differences because we believe a multitude of perspectives fosters innovation and will help us achieve our vision.

Daiya Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and prohibits discrimination of any kind.  We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, religion, marital or family status, age and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.  We endeavor to recruit, develop, and retain the best talent from a diverse candidate pool and truly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion among our team members is vital to our success as a company.  We trust that in applying for a role with us you value this as well!

Daiya Foods humbly acknowledges that the land on which we work, live, and play is the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam Nations. This connection to the land is not only a source of inspiration but also a guiding force in our journey towards greater environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Note: The deadline to apply is Monday, May 19th at 11:59 pm PST.