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
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Assist in the development and execution of new products, formulations, and manufacturing procedures.
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Perform ingredient preparation, raw material handling, and product assessments.
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Support client activities such as site tours and sample preparation.
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Assist in developing SOPs and product specifications for the Innovation Center.
Production & Equipment Operation
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Perform daily start-up, operation, and shut-down activities for Innovation Center equipment.
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Safely operate, clean, and maintain mixers, vacuum fillers, ovens, dryers, and other processing equipment.
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Maintain proficiency in using, calibrating, and performing preventative maintenance on lab equipment (e.g., water activity meter, protein analyzer, moisture analyzer, balances).
Quality & Compliance
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Review Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and Letters of Guarantee for raw material lots; reject materials not meeting NORPEL standards.
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Create and apply labels for ingredients and work-in-progress (WIP) products.
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Maintain freezer and dry goods organization, including inventory control.
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Complete and maintain accurate quality, sanitation, and production records.
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Ensure compliance with sanitation, food safety, and quality standards.
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Achieve certifications in HACCP and ServSafe Food Handler (company-provided).
Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support
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Partner with the Quality team to assist with pre-op inspections, daily quality checks, and other assigned tasks.
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Collaborate with cross-functional departments, including Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Maintenance.
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Support the Director of R&D with long-term innovation initiatives, including by-product utilization, zero-waste projects, and enzyme research.
Requirements
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Ability to work in variable temperature, noisy, and wet manufacturing environments.
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Comfortable directly handling animal proteins (meat, blood, organs).
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Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
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Capable of lifting to 40 lbs.
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Willingness to learn and independently operate Innovation Center equipment.
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Strong attention to detail and record-keeping.
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Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in food production, R&D, or quality roles.
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Familiarity with FDA/FSMA food safety standards.
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Basic lab experience (weighing, measuring, analyzing samples).
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Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
