R&D Associate Scientist, Product Development

Job Title:                      R&D Associate 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 Associate Scientist, PD is a self-motivated and curious individual, focused on delivering products and technical solutions for our cheese category. This role will be responsible for leading and executing technical work from ideation to commercialization for key innovation and renovation projects, and process improvements. 

What You Will Do

• Perform technical research and development work on multiple product development projects; and executes continuous improvement initiatives to improve performance, costs, quality and operational efficiency.
• Research new technologies and industry trends for practical applications and benefits to support the business; and participates in ideation and technical feasibility assessments for new projects.
• Modify existing formulations and processes in benchtop, pilot plant, and production to achieve technical targets for innovation, renovation and value engineering projects.
• Design, perform and analyze experiments to test ingredients, formulations and processes, and develop prototypes and products; includes sourcing and evaluating ingredients and packaging from external suppliers.
• Assist with new production start-up and hand-off projects, and operational troubleshooting efforts in-house and at co-packers facilities.
• Assist in the development or revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Your Background

• Bachelor’s degree of Science or Engineering in Food Science, Process Engineering, etc. and one (1) year of related experience in a Research & Development team, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience with working in a food manufacturing industry is an asset.

What You Bring

• Basic knowledge and hands-on technical skills of product development process, ingredient functionality & applications, and food processing & manufacturing.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to create and deliver timely, impactful written and verbal communication for internal and external audiences.
• Proficient in data analysis and interpretation skills to gather meaningful results.
• Effective at planning and prioritizing work with multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and build effective working relationships with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Proactively seek out opportunities to learn or develop new capabilities.
• 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 $50,000 – 65,000 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.