Job Description
R&D Technician — Job Description
The R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team in formulation trials, bench-top experiments, pilot runs, and scale-up activities for new and existing supplement products. This role is responsible for preparing samples, documenting experimental work, assisting with stability studies, and ensuring compliance with internal quality standards and regulatory expectations (e.g., Health Canada / NHP requirements).
Key ResponsibilitiesFormulation & Sample Preparation
Prepare bench-scale and pilot-scale formulations (gummies, powders, capsules, or tablets)
Accurately weigh raw materials according to formulation sheets
Support flavour optimization, texture adjustments, and ingredient compatibility testing
Assist with reformulation projects for cost optimization or regulatory updates
Pilot Trials & Scale-Up Support
Assist during pilot plant and production trial runs
Record processing parameters such as:
temperature
cook times
moisture levels
mixing speeds
deposition conditions (for gummies)
Support troubleshooting during scale-up
Documentation & Record Keeping
Maintain detailed lab notebooks and batch trial records
Update formulation worksheets and specification documents
Assist with preparation of technical documentation for QA and regulatory submissions
Ensure traceability of materials used in trials
Stability & Sample Management
Prepare stability samples for ongoing testing
Organize retain samples and track expiry timelines
Monitor environmental storage conditions
Raw Material Evaluation
Support qualification of new ingredients and flavours
Conduct basic compatibility testing
Assist with organoleptic evaluations (taste, colour, texture, aroma)
Cross-Department Support
Work closely with:
QA
Production
Procurement
Regulatory Affairs
Assist with investigation of production deviations related to formulation performance
Qualifications
Preferred:
Diploma or Degree in:
Food Science
Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biotechnology
Nutrition
Chemical Engineering Technology
Experience
Preferred:
1–3 years in:
dietary supplements
food manufacturing
nutraceutical R&D
pharmaceutical support labs
Strong asset:
gummy formulation exposure
hydrocolloid systems (pectin / gelatin)
flavour systems
vitamin/mineral premixes
Technical Skills
Required:
Precision weighing and batching
GMP documentation practices
Lab equipment operation
Basic formulation math
Preferred:
Pilot equipment familiarity
Moisture analysis
pH measurement
Brix measurement (important for gummies)
Texture evaluation methods
Regulatory Awareness (Asset)
Experience working with:
Health Canada NHP requirements
GMP environments
SOP-controlled documentation systems
Soft Skills
Strong attention to detail
Organized record keeping
Ability to follow technical instructions precisely
Problem-solving mindset
Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously
Clear communication with production teams
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 25 kg
Standing for extended lab or pilot trial periods
Handling food-grade and nutraceutical raw materials
Reporting Structure
Reports to:
R&D Manager / Director of Product Development
Works closely with:
QA Manager
Production Supervisor
Regulatory Specialist
Procurement Team
Pay: From $21.00 per hour
Expected hours: 44.0 per week
Benefits:
Dental care
Life insurance
Work Location: In person
The R&D Technician supports the Research & Development team in formulation trials, bench-top experiments, pilot runs, and scale-up activities for new and existing supplement products. This role is responsible for preparing samples, documenting experimental work, assisting with stability studies, and ensuring compliance with internal quality standards and regulatory expectations (e.g., Health Canada / NHP requirements).
Key ResponsibilitiesFormulation & Sample Preparation
Prepare bench-scale and pilot-scale formulations (gummies, powders, capsules, or tablets)
Accurately weigh raw materials according to formulation sheets
Support flavour optimization, texture adjustments, and ingredient compatibility testing
Assist with reformulation projects for cost optimization or regulatory updates
Pilot Trials & Scale-Up Support
Assist during pilot plant and production trial runs
Record processing parameters such as:
temperature
cook times
moisture levels
mixing speeds
deposition conditions (for gummies)
Support troubleshooting during scale-up
Documentation & Record Keeping
Maintain detailed lab notebooks and batch trial records
Update formulation worksheets and specification documents
Assist with preparation of technical documentation for QA and regulatory submissions
Ensure traceability of materials used in trials
Stability & Sample Management
Prepare stability samples for ongoing testing
Organize retain samples and track expiry timelines
Monitor environmental storage conditions
Raw Material Evaluation
Support qualification of new ingredients and flavours
Conduct basic compatibility testing
Assist with organoleptic evaluations (taste, colour, texture, aroma)
Cross-Department Support
Work closely with:
QA
Production
Procurement
Regulatory Affairs
Assist with investigation of production deviations related to formulation performance
Qualifications
Preferred:
Diploma or Degree in:
Food Science
Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biotechnology
Nutrition
Chemical Engineering Technology
Experience
Preferred:
1–3 years in:
dietary supplements
food manufacturing
nutraceutical R&D
pharmaceutical support labs
Strong asset:
gummy formulation exposure
hydrocolloid systems (pectin / gelatin)
flavour systems
vitamin/mineral premixes
Technical Skills
Required:
Precision weighing and batching
GMP documentation practices
Lab equipment operation
Basic formulation math
Preferred:
Pilot equipment familiarity
Moisture analysis
pH measurement
Brix measurement (important for gummies)
Texture evaluation methods
Regulatory Awareness (Asset)
Experience working with:
Health Canada NHP requirements
GMP environments
SOP-controlled documentation systems
Soft Skills
Strong attention to detail
Organized record keeping
Ability to follow technical instructions precisely
Problem-solving mindset
Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously
Clear communication with production teams
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 25 kg
Standing for extended lab or pilot trial periods
Handling food-grade and nutraceutical raw materials
Reporting Structure
Reports to:
R&D Manager / Director of Product Development
Works closely with:
QA Manager
Production Supervisor
Regulatory Specialist
Procurement Team
Pay: From $21.00 per hour
Expected hours: 44.0 per week
Benefits:
Dental care
Life insurance
Work Location: In person
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The R&D Technician position is now open for candidates interested in the Lab Technician / Pharmacist Jobs sector. This role in Toronto offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Lab Technician / Pharmacist Jobs is a plus.
