Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a motivated Food Technology Specialist for the Food Innovation Center. The Food Technology Specialist primarily provides technical support to clients of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center, as projects cycle through the stages of idea, design, development, sensory evaluation, scale-up and small-scale production of food and beverage concepts. As a vital member of the Center, this role focuses on a broad range of food products and will include formulation, process development, project management, and technical assistance with some of the most creative food entrepreneurs in the region.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
Assumes primary responsibility for the test kitchen, including organization and maintaining inventories of ingredients and supplies.
Coordinates with other center departments, i.e., Production, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and regulatory compliance for manufacturing trials and scale ups.
Shares responsibility for ensuring all products and ingredients comply with current USDA and FDA regulations, including GRAS, Labeling Information, etc.
Assists with all activities in the research and development area and serve as a critical support to the Associate Director of Food Technology.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in various aspects of the food product development and commercialization of specialty food products.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, and customer service capabilities.
Ability to excel as a team player and demonstrate a positive attitude with individuals both internal and external to Rutgers Food Innovation Center.
Broad understanding of all technical needs that may be required by a food entrepreneur, including product development, quality assurance, operations, and regulatory aspects, in order to ensure successful engagement of projects from concept through commercialization.
Good working knowledge of Food Science, engineering principles, food safety principles and good manufacturing practices.
Excellent interpersonal skills that allow for effective working relationships at all levels across the organization.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with the specialty food and agricultural food industries, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, seafood, livestock, etc.
Self starter with entrepreneurial knowledge, good problem solving skills, and be a team player, with the ability to work in a fast paced environment.
Equipment Utilized:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Preferred: ESHA Genesis Software.
Familiarity with basic lab equipment including pH meters, balances, moisture analyzers, colorimeters, etc.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Requires working in a hot/cold plant environment when assisting during plant runs.
On occasion, the ability to stand multiple hours at a time.
Posting Number: 21ST0109
Location: Off Campus
Internal Number: 125138
About Rutgers University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national public research university and the state's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Rutgers is dedicated to teaching that meets the highest standards of excellence; to conducting research that breaks new ground; and to turning knowledge into solutions for local, national, and global communities. As it was at our founding in 1766, the heart of our mission is preparing students to become productive members of society and good citizens of the world. Rutgers teaches across the full educational spectrum: preschool to precollege; undergraduate to graduate and postdoctoral; and continuing education for professional and personal advancement. Rutgers is New Jersey's land-grant institution and one of the nation's foremost research universities, and as such, we educate, make discoveries, serve as an engine of economic growth, and generate ideas for improving people's lives.
