At #TropicanaBrandsGroup, we are passionate about nourishing & delighting our consumers, one sip at a time!
We are excited to offer an opportunity for a R&D Laboratory Specialist/Technician to join our Research & Development team in Cork, Ireland!
It's your chance to take ownership and to have a fully operational lab including maintaining, updating, improving, and implementing the Best Practice and Best in Class Processes and Documentation, taking responsibility for the calibration and proficiency programs, being the point contact for Health and Safety requirements, and leading the pilot plant trials at OMVE.
Your responsibilities and accountabilities in the role will be:
* Sample Production: Prepare samples for consumer tests, shelf-life studies, or prototyping using pasteurisers ranging from bench-top to pilot scale. Ensure samples are produced accurately and on time according to recipes provided by the Product Developer.
* Product Knowledge: Maintain a sufficient understanding to ensure all samples produced are of suitable quality for their intended use (e.g., internal testing, consumer testing). This requires a basic understanding of product quality attributes and how to achieve good application results consistently.
* Physico-Chemical Analyses: Conduct basic analyses (following training) and perform calibrations, such as measuring Brix, acidity, pH, and vitamin C levels.
* Raw Material & Product Handling: Ensure proper and timely thawing and refilling of raw materials, manage inventory of team items, and organise local storage effectively.
* Shipment Management: Coordinate timely and accurate shipment of samples and liaise with shipment companies as needed.
* Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of prepared samples and shipped items.
* Shelf-Life Studies: Monitor and document sensory and analytical aspects of shelf-life studies.
* Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Prepare and maintain SOPs, including regular follow-ups and weekly checks.
* Market Benchmarking: Collaborate with Product Developers to benchmark market samples and update tracking systems.
* Health and Safety (H&S) & Compliance: Support and adhere to H&S and compliance initiatives on-site, act as the designated H&S point of contact, and follow up on equipment maintenance needs.
* Lean Practices: Ensure adherence to 5S workplace organisation principles.
* Travel: Potential travel (up to 15%) to support pilot plant trials in Zeebrugge, Belgium.
This list covers the main duties you will undertake, but other duties will be required and added as necessary to meet project and business needs. Flexibility to support the business is essential to the role.
The successful candidate will have:
* A BSc in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline, or an equivalent qualification.
* Third-level qualification in a scientific or relevant field.
* 1–2 years of experience in technical roles, operations, quality assurance, or food safety.
* Ability to plan, execute, and complete daily laboratory and pilot plant tasks within specified time frames.
* Strong hand-eye coordination and capability to operate technical equipment accurately.
* Proficiency in PC applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
* A self-motivated individual who can work independently and communicate effectively with international R&D teams and operations staff.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
* Knowledge of and practical experience in food R&D or quality laboratories.
* Familiarity with laboratory and pilot plant environments, as well as R&D best practices.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions.
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