R&D Co-op

Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We're on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2030, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you'll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that's what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let's tackle the climb together.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

Purpose:

The Technical R&D Co-op Student supports the MadeGood R&D team in renovation, and commercialization of innovative food products. Working alongside cross-functional teams, this role contributes to R&D projects, equipment and line commissioning, plant trials, product launches, and troubleshooting initiatives that help bring high-quality products from concept to commercialization.

The successful candidate will assist with a variety of R&D activities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include conducting research, performing bench-top testing and product evaluations, supporting pilot and manufacturing trials, documenting results, and assessing product feasibility. The co-op student will also contribute to day-to-day support by applying strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.

This role is ideal for a curious, hands-on learner who is passionate about food science. The successful candidate will demonstrate creativity, scientific curiosity, strong organizational and documentation skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. They will embody Riverside's core values, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and contribute with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to delivering accurate, data-driven results.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate and uphold Riverside's Core Values
• Keep abreast of industry trends, new technologies and ingredients in the global snack marketplace and beyond
• Attend seminars & vendor meetings, etc. to expand knowledge of ingredient functionality, industry trends, etc.
• Build collaborative relationships with existing or new ingredient vendor partners on innovative use of existing or new ingredients
• Use sound scientific evidence when conducting scientific testing to seek truth, rather than success or failure. Use this information to make informed decisions and provide actionable insights.
• Independently conduct benchtop evaluations of new food products using SOPs. Document all formulas, methodologies, observations and results. Communicate information clearly to stakeholders.
• Support plant trials through data collection, organization, material preparation and clean up
• Support day-to-day production troubleshooting with a collaborative mindset and data-driven problem-solving skills
• Create product samples for evaluation on benchtop or pilot plant scale with meticulous attention to detail. Package and label samples appropriately for intended use.
• Develop and maintain accurate project records to ensure seamless transitions of project ownership and capture learnings from project successes and failures
• Participate in shelf-life program by tasting products & providing objective feedback on a weekly basis. Arrange shelf-life tastings when Lab Technician is unavailable.
• Respect and promote the company's health and safety program, maintaining a safe working environment and ensure the continued compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety act and JHSC recommendations
• Adhere to all Riverside food safety policies and procedures
• Manage organization and documentation of personal project load
• Demonstrate flexibility adaptability when faced with changes to project scope and timelines
• Support onboarding of new staff as needed
• Other duties as required

Education and Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in post-secondary Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field program
• Experience in food an asset (manufacturing, kitchen, laboratory, etc.)
• Experience working in kitchens, laboratories, pilot plants, and/or food manufacturing facilities
• Proficient with MS office suite

Reporting Relationships

The position reports to a Senior Food Scientist in Technical R&D.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proactive and self-motivated; able to see gaps and take OWNERSHIPto fill them without being asked
• Determined analytical and problem-solving skills, driven to seek honest answers
• Disciplined; uses science fundamentals and maintains technical rigour in everyday work
• Demonstrated ADAPTABILITYand GRIT when faced with setbacks, rapid change and ambiguity
• Creative flair; pushes the boundaries to find unconventional solutions
• Embraces discomfort, HUMBLEand excited to explore new challenges and territories
• PASSIONATE in R&D and brings enthusiasm daily
• Deep desire for knowledge, personal skill development and career growth
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills; can function independently
• Known as a TEAMplayer, who is skilled in collaboration and operates with RESPECT
• Ability to sample Riverside brands' products and ingredients or products of interest
• Ability to travel regularly to Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto/Vaughan area)

Job Scorecard:

Key Accountabilities 

The rating system for the corresponding accountability is as follows: 

1 = Crucial tasks, day to day, role-critical, urgent 

2 = Important tasks, supporting the team 

3 = Non-critical tasks, less urgent, supporting the business as a whole 

Responsibility 

KPI/ Metric to Measure Success 

Rating (1 – 3) 

Comments 

Supports production and procurement initiatives to ensure the day-to-day running of the business 

1. Responds quickly and creatively to production and procurement challenges ensuring products meet sensory and quality specifications 

1

Assists in R&D commissioning of new equipment to expand capacity 

1. Collects data for formulations on new equipment 

1. Ensures products meet sensory and quality specifications 

1

Assists with renovations and commercialization activities to support to support NPD and CI initiatives (Branded/Private) 

1. Helps implement new formulas in production that take into consideration equipment capability, nutrition and sensory targets 

1. Complete R&D documentation including formula, procedure, quality and product appearance specifications 

1

Assists with product development – benchtop evaluation, research, plant trials, etc.

1. Fully documents lab benchwork formulas and results 

1. Supports plants trials through data collection, organization 

1. Researches new trends, scientific challenges, etc.

1

Competencies for Success of the Role: 

Key Riverside Leadership Competencies needed to be successful in this role: 

Leadership Capabilities 

Definition 

FYI Competencies 

Comments 

Delivers Results 

Ability to rebound from setbacks and adversity when faced with difficult situations. Capability to navigate a path forward without all the necessary information.

Resilience 

Manages Ambiguity 

Ensures Accountability 

1.Maintains a positive attitude and forward-thinking approach despite setbacks. 

2. Manages the risk that comes with moving forward when the outcome isn't certain. 

3. Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results. 

4. Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same. 

5. Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures. 

6. Is calm and productive, even when things are up in the air. 

7. Deals constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes.

Fosters Collaborative Relationships 

Ability to find a way to achieve an objective by making the best use of the resources available- doing more with less. Looking beyond the obvious for other viable approaches to accomplishing the goal. 

Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. 

Resourcefulness 

Collaborates 

1.Adapts quickly to changing resource requirements. 

2.Enjoys multi-tasking; applies organizational know-how and leverages relationships to advance multiple objectives. 

3.Finds creative