R&D Co-op

Location: 2233 Sheppard Ave W Department: Research & Development

Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2030, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

Purpose:

The Technical R&D Co-op Student supports the MadeGood R&D team in renovation, and commercialization of innovative food products. Working alongside cross-functional teams, this role contributes to R&D projects, equipment and line commissioning, plant trials, product launches, and troubleshooting initiatives that help bring high-quality products from concept to commercialization.

The successful candidate will assist with a variety of R&D activities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include conducting research, performing bench-top testing and product evaluations, supporting pilot and manufacturing trials, documenting results, and assessing product feasibility. The co-op student will also contribute to day-to-day support by applying strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.

This role is ideal for a curious, hands-on learner who is passionate about food science. The successful candidate will demonstrate creativity, scientific curiosity, strong organizational and documentation skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. They will embody Riverside's core values, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and contribute with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to delivering accurate, data-driven results.

Primary Responsibilities:

Demonstrate and uphold Riverside’s Core Values

Keep abreast of industry trends, new technologies and ingredients in the global snack marketplace and beyond

Attend seminars & vendor meetings, etc. to expand knowledge of ingredient functionality, industry trends, etc.

Build collaborative relationships with existing or new ingredient vendor partners on innovative use of existing or new ingredients

Use sound scientific evidence when conducting scientific testing to seek truth, rather than success or failure. Use this information to make informed decisions and provide actionable insights.

Independently conduct benchtop evaluations of new food products using SOPs. Document all formulas, methodologies, observations and results.  Communicate information clearly to stakeholders.

Support plant trials through data collection, organization, material preparation and clean up

Support day-to-day production troubleshooting with a collaborative mindset and data-driven problem-solving skills

Create product samples for evaluation on benchtop or pilot plant scale with meticulous attention to detail. Package and label samples appropriately for intended use.

Develop and maintain accurate project records to ensure seamless transitions of project ownership and capture learnings from project successes and failures

Participate in shelf-life program by tasting products & providing objective feedback on a weekly basis.  Arrange shelf-life tastings when Lab Technician is unavailable.

Respect and promote the company’s health and safety program, maintaining a safe working environment and ensure the continued compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety act and JHSC recommendations

Adhere to all Riverside food safety policies and procedures

Manage organization and documentation of personal project load

Demonstrate flexibility adaptability when faced with changes to project scope and timelines

Support onboarding of new staff as needed

Other duties as required

Education and Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in post-secondary Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field program

Experience in food an asset (manufacturing, kitchen, laboratory, etc.)

Experience working in kitchens, laboratories, pilot plants, and/or food manufacturing facilities

Proficient with MS office suite

Reporting Relationships

The position reports to a Senior Food Scientist in Technical R&D.

Skills and Abilities:

Proactive and self-motivated; able to see gaps and take OWNERSHIPto fill them without being asked

Determined analytical and problem-solving skills, driven to seek honest answers

Disciplined; uses science fundamentals and maintains technical rigour in everyday work

Demonstrated ADAPTABILITYand GRIT when faced with setbacks, rapid change and ambiguity

Creative flair; pushes the boundaries to find unconventional solutions

Embraces discomfort, HUMBLEand excited to explore new challenges and territories

PASSIONATE in R&D and brings enthusiasm daily

Deep desire for knowledge, personal skill development and career growth

Exceptional time management and organizational skills; can function independently

Known as a TEAMplayer, who is skilled in collaboration and operates with RESPECT

Ability to sample Riverside brands’ products and ingredients or products of interest

Ability to travel regularly to Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto/Vaughan area)

Job Scorecard:

Key Accountabilities

The rating system for the corresponding accountability is as follows:

1 = Crucial tasks, day to day, role-critical, urgent

2 = Important tasks, supporting the team

3 = Non-critical tasks, less urgent, supporting th