Developing, optimizing, and commercializing dairy products from concept through to commercialization readiness is the core of this Research Scientist role. This position applies the latest scientific and technical knowledge in food science, with a focus on dairy science and technology, to develop, optimize, and commercialize products that support business objectives.
Responsibilities
Support Principal Scientist-led research, innovation, technology evaluation, and product platform development activities
Lead assigned product development projects from concept through commercialization readiness
Develop and optimize product formulations using dairy science, ingredient functionality, sensory science, and processing knowledge
Develop and apply analytical methods and equipment to support product development and research activities
Plan and execute laboratory, benchtop, pilot, and plant-scale development activities and experiments
Evaluate ingredients and technologies for technical feasibility and commercialization potential
Translate business, consumer, quality, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements into clear technical product solutions
Analyze experimental and trial data and provide evidence-based technical recommendations
Support scale-up, validation, and commercialization activities in partnership with Operations and cross-functional teams
Drive technical problem-solving related to product quality, ingredient performance, processing, shelf-life, sensory performance, and regulatory compliance
Design, execute, and interpret sensory evaluations to support formulation development, product optimization, and technical decision-making
Monitor new and existing product performance and recommend improvements as required
Maintain accurate formulations, specifications, project information, technical reports, and trial documentation within approved R&D systems
Ensure technical knowledge and project learnings are documented and retained
Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Marketing, Procurement, suppliers, research institutions, and other partners as required
Communicate technical findings, recommendations, risks, and project updates clearly and professionally
Share technical knowledge and contribute to R&D capability building, continuous improvement, and best practices
Adhere to Food Safety and Quality System responsibilities outlined in applicable SOPs and training materials
Undertake other relevant responsibilities based on business needs
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Technology, or a related field required; advanced qualifications considered an asset
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Tailored applications submitted
Minimum three years of relevant product development, applied research, or technical commercialization experience within the food industry, preferably dairy
Strong scientific foundation in food and dairy science
Knowledge of dairy ingredients, formulation development, sensory evaluation, shelf-life, and dairy manufacturing processes
Experimental design, data analysis, technical report writing, and evidence-based decision-making skills
Ability to interpret analytical and product characterization results to support product and process decisions
Strong technical problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities
Effective project management, prioritization, and organizational skills
Clear verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate across diverse, cross-functional teams
Ability to work independently while seeking guidance for complex or high-risk technical decisions
Ability to learn and use relevant formulation, ERP, specification, reporting, and project management systems, including D365, Optiva, Power BI, and WMS
Flexibility to support pilot, plant, and commercialization activities outside regular schedules when required
Access to a car and valid License for driving in Ontario
Nice to have:
Experience using product characterization methods, such as rheology, viscosity, texture or related analytical testing to support formulation development and troubleshooting
Benefits
Bonus
Comprehensive benefits
Retirement savings plan
Paid vacation
Other perks and opportunities
About the Company
Gay Lea Foods is a Canadian, dairy farmer-owned cooperative founded in 1958. The cooperative produces high-quality dairy products while creating lasting value for farming families, meaningful opportunities for employees, and positive impact in communities across Canada. Gay Lea Foods employs artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the recruitment process, including screening and assessment.
With our roots on the farm, Gay Lea Foods has grown to become a leader in the Canadian dairy industry and the largest dairy co-operative in Ontario, with members on 1,300 dairy farms in Ontario and Manitoba, and more than 4,200 producer and investor stakeholders.
