Research Assistant- Innovation (51384)

Title: Research Assistant – Innovation Center
Reports to: Director of Research & Development

Position Overview

The Research Assistant will support Research & Development (R&D) activities at NORPEL’s Innovation Center, with a focus on new ingredients, product development, and manufacturing procedures. This role is hands-on and requires the application of the scientific method to both pet and non-pet food projects. In addition to supporting R&D initiatives, the Research Assistant will play a key role in maintaining quality and food safety standards within the Innovation Center, while also providing support to the broader Quality team as needed.

Key Responsibilities

R&D and Innovation Support

• Assist in the development and execution of new products, formulations, and manufacturing procedures.
• Perform ingredient preparation, raw material handling, and product assessments.
• Support client activities such as site tours and sample preparation.
• Assist in developing SOPs and product specifications for the Innovation Center.

Production & Equipment Operation

• Perform daily start-up, operation, and shut-down activities for Innovation Center equipment.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain mixers, vacuum fillers, ovens, dryers, and other processing equipment.
• Maintain proficiency in using, calibrating, and performing preventative maintenance on lab equipment (e.g., water activity meter, protein analyzer, moisture analyzer, balances).

Quality & Compliance

• Review Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and Letters of Guarantee for raw material lots; reject materials not meeting NORPEL standards.
• Create and apply labels for ingredients and work-in-progress (WIP) products.
• Maintain freezer and dry goods organization, including inventory control.
• Complete and maintain accurate quality, sanitation, and production records.
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, food safety, and quality standards.
• Achieve certifications in HACCP and ServSafe Food Handler (company-provided).

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with the Quality team to assist with pre-op inspections, daily quality checks, and other assigned tasks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments, including Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Maintenance.
• Support the Director of R&D with long-term innovation initiatives, including by-product utilization, zero-waste projects, and enzyme research.

Requirements

• Ability to work in variable temperature, noisy, and wet manufacturing environments.
• Comfortable directly handling animal proteins (meat, blood, organs).
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Capable of lifting to 40 lbs.
• Willingness to learn and independently operate Innovation Center equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.