Research Chemist - Toronto, Canada - New School Foods

Description

At New School Foods, our mission is to accelerate the transition to a kinder, healthier, alt-protein-first food system. Using our proprietary production technology, we create zero-compromise meat alternatives designed to enable global impact. Our healthy, whole-cut, plant-based filets are made to look, cook, taste and flake just like fish. All with a lower carbon footprint, and zero harm to the ocean.


ABOUT THE ROLE:

You will leverage your hands-on experience in food chemistry and product concept development to create new meat analog products with improved nutritional quality, flavor, appearance, and texture.

You must exhibit the ability to think beyond standard methods, independently lead research projects, reach conclusions, and clearly deliver results.

You will also have knowledge of various chemical analysis tools to isolate, modify and/or quantify food ingredients such as proteins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and vitamins.

Demonstrated research track record must include characterizing and/or understanding the structure/function relationship of proteins, particularly in novel food products and systems.

You will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in our product formulations and initiate new creative product concepts.

This is a permanent, full-time position, based on 40-hours per week. Further information respecting the position can be found below.

AS A RESEARCH CHEMIST, YOU WILL:

• Actively support the innovation process: brainstorming and ideation sessions, concept development, concept screening, and commercialization in compliance with food safety standards
• Improve existing methods and formulations to enhance their organoleptic properties, texture, nutritional profiles, and cooking profile.
• Design and execute experiments and prepare results for review; plan tasks with some guidance.
• Participate with other research scientists in the drafting of patents, scientific papers, presentations
• Maintain a laboratory notebook, upload data into an online knowledge management system and present research findings in a succinct wellorganized manner to the team
• Isolate, purify and quantify ingredients or raw materials, using various chemical or mechanical extractions such as membrane filtration.
• Characterization of interactions between ingredients using various analytical tools, including, rheometry, light scattering techniques and texture analysis.
• Perform chemical analysis to quantify proteins, oils, minerals, and vitamins to characterize raw materials, analytical samples and/or finished products.
• Operate and troubleshoot various analytical instruments such as rheometer, texture analyzer, spectrophotometer.
• Provide general laboratory support, purchase equipment and supplies, maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including routine maintenance & cleaning of equipment, utensils and work surfaces, and ensure compliance with all safety policies and practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering, materials science, food science and engineering, biophysics, or a related field) with experience in an accredited research program.
• At least one year of work experience in chemical extraction, characterization, and quantification of food ingredients such as proteins, fats, hydrocolloids, flavorants, colorants, and nutrients using analytical tools.
• At least one year of work experience with research experience in one or more areas such as protein functionality, food texture development, emulsion formulation, structural/functional properties of proteins, starches, hydrocolloids, and how they function in foodrelated materials.
• Extensive experience with lab techniques and instrumentation as evidenced by experience with several specialized instruments like texture analyzer, rheometer, GC/LC, microscopy, spectroscopy etc.

YOUR INNATE SKILLS & TRAITS:

• Embraces the mission and purpose of New School Foods
• Excitement for working in a fastpaced environment, with high energy, creativity, personal dedication, accountability and ownership
• Understands and thrives in an unstructured startup environment and is able to develop structure and process where required while maintaining flexibility and agility
• Excellent time management, teamwork, and communication skills, with ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a high performance team
• Adaptable to evolving scientific and business priorities
• Willingness to grow in a dynamic environment and handle constantly evolving objectives.

Compensation

We offer a generous compensation package which includes:

• Salary: $70,000 per annum
• Vacation: 15 paid days per year
• Benefits: medical, dental, and vision
• Other: stock options, relocation allowance, eligible for incremental raises in accordance with standard company policies.

Contact Info:

New School Foods

44 Gerrard S