R&D Technician

R&D Technician — Job Description

The R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team in formulation trials, bench-top experiments, pilot runs, and scale-up activities for new and existing supplement products. This role is responsible for preparing samples, documenting experimental work, assisting with stability studies, and ensuring compliance with internal quality standards and regulatory expectations (e.g., Health Canada / NHP requirements).

Key ResponsibilitiesFormulation & Sample Preparation

Prepare bench-scale and pilot-scale formulations (gummies, powders, capsules, or tablets)
Accurately weigh raw materials according to formulation sheets
Support flavour optimization, texture adjustments, and ingredient compatibility testing
Assist with reformulation projects for cost optimization or regulatory updates
Pilot Trials & Scale-Up Support

Assist during pilot plant and production trial runs
Record processing parameters such as:
temperature
cook times
moisture levels
mixing speeds
deposition conditions (for gummies)
Support troubleshooting during scale-up
Documentation & Record Keeping

Maintain detailed lab notebooks and batch trial records
Update formulation worksheets and specification documents
Assist with preparation of technical documentation for QA and regulatory submissions
Ensure traceability of materials used in trials
Stability & Sample Management

Prepare stability samples for ongoing testing
Organize retain samples and track expiry timelines
Monitor environmental storage conditions
Raw Material Evaluation

Support qualification of new ingredients and flavours
Conduct basic compatibility testing
Assist with organoleptic evaluations (taste, colour, texture, aroma)
Cross-Department Support

Work closely with:
QA
Production
Procurement
Regulatory Affairs
Assist with investigation of production deviations related to formulation performance
Qualifications

Preferred:

Diploma or Degree in:
Food Science
Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biotechnology
Nutrition
Chemical Engineering Technology
Experience

Preferred:

1–3 years in:
dietary supplements
food manufacturing
nutraceutical R&D
pharmaceutical support labs
Strong asset:

gummy formulation exposure
hydrocolloid systems (pectin / gelatin)
flavour systems
vitamin/mineral premixes
Technical Skills

Required:

Precision weighing and batching
GMP documentation practices
Lab equipment operation
Basic formulation math
Preferred:

Pilot equipment familiarity
Moisture analysis
pH measurement
Brix measurement (important for gummies)
Texture evaluation methods
Regulatory Awareness (Asset)

Experience working with:

Health Canada NHP requirements
GMP environments
SOP-controlled documentation systems
Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail
Organized record keeping
Ability to follow technical instructions precisely
Problem-solving mindset
Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously
Clear communication with production teams
Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 25 kg
Standing for extended lab or pilot trial periods
Handling food-grade and nutraceutical raw materials
Reporting Structure

Reports to:
R&D Manager / Director of Product Development

Works closely with:

QA Manager
Production Supervisor
Regulatory Specialist
Procurement Team
Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 44.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental care
Life insurance
Work Location: In person