No previous experience is necessary; training is provided as needed.
Must be able to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Must have a stable work history.
Must be able to work in various facility settings, including laboratory, office, and plant areas.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and withstand long periods on one's feet.
Must have basic computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment with changing priorities.
Must be able to manage time effectively.
Must have good written and oral communication skills and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
Maintain proper documentation of raw materials, finished goods, and the sample request log.
Fulfill daily sample requests to support the sales team.
Accurately weigh and measure ingredients and finished goods for samples.
Learn the various product lines and their functions.
Evaluate products against sample quality standards.
Support cross-functional team members in meeting deadlines.
Assist in building trade show shipments and keep materials clean and organized.
Participate in team activities, including tastings, flavor testing, and sensory evaluations.
Assist with bench and pilot batch preparations as needed.
Maintain proper laboratory conditions, a clean working environment, and necessary equipment.
Desired Qualifications
Kitchen experience, including cooking, baking, or confectionery, is preferred but not required.
A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
R&D Associate
I.Rice & Company · Philadelphia, United States · — · Posted 2026-09-15
Workplace: on_site
Department: R&D
Description
An independent, family-owned business in Philadelphia, I. Rice & Co. has been making quality food products and flavors since 1884. With considerable growth and expansion, we are looking for qualified employees to help in a variety of positions. As a food manufacturing plant, I. Rice & Co. offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, from production coordination to warehouse stocking and inventory organization.
I. Rice & Co. remains open as an essential business to serve our communities producing food in the food service and grocery industry. I. Rice provides a safe environment for employees, providing face masks, multiple handwashing stations, and food production sanitation procedures keeping our facilities clean and our employees safe.
Requirements
R&D Associate Job Description:
This position supports the R&D department along with key members of our sales and operations teams. The role of R&D associate is an entry level position with no previous experience necessary. As R&D Associate you will serve as an adjunct position supporting R&D and Operations with plan to grow within the organization. We are a growing company looking to build our team for continued opportunity!
Essential Jobs and Duties:
· Maintain proper documentation of any raw materials or finished goods, as well as sample request log
· Support sales team through fulfillment of daily sample requests
· Must be able to accurately weigh/measure ingredients as well as finished goods for samples
· Learn the various product lines and functions of each
· Evaluate product for quality standards for samples
· Support cross-functional team members in order to meet deadlines
· Assist in building trade show shipments, maintaining materials in a clean and organized manner
· Participate in all team activities, including tastings, flavor testing and sensory evaluations
· Assist in preparations of bench and pilot batch work where needed
· Maintain proper lab conditions and a clean working environment, and any necessary equipment maintenance
· Be capable of working in various work settings of the facility including laboratory, office and plant areas
Required Education/Experience:
· Kitchen experience preferred but not required, though may be in various formats: cooking, baking, confectionary
· High School Diploma or GED preferred
· Training provided as needed
· Stable work history
· Must be able to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
· Ability to work in a team environment as well as individually in an environment with changing priorities
· Ability to manage time effectively
· Proficient computer literacy with basic knowledge of MS Office
· Good written and oral communication skills as well as attention to detail
Physical Demands
· Be able to lift 50 pounds
· Be able to withstand long periods of time on one’s feet