R&D Co-op

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

Rich’s currently has a great opportunity for a Food Science Co-op, for either the Summer 2024 & Fall 2024 semesters, OR Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 semesters. This position is in the Research & Development department, located in Buffalo, New York. For the first semester, the product category of concentration will be the Emulsion Business Unit (EBU) and the second semester, the category concentration will be the Value Added Bakery (VAB) Business Unit. In this job, the student will utilize their fundamental food science and scientific methodology skills to collaborate with global teams to evaluate and develop ingredient and process solutions. Projects range from low to high complexity and can include interaction with other global R&D technical associates, suppliers and customers. This opportunity is available to a student who wants to take on new challenges and seeks to gain a practical knowledge of food science and engineering through hands-on experience in a fast-paced, collaborative and global environment.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/OUTCOMES

The main activities undertaken in the position will be conducted in the Rich’s R&D laboratory and pilot wet lab in Buffalo, NY. The successful candidate will:

• Develop, document and validate product/process interactions in collaboration with global scientists and engineers
• Work in the pilot lab/wet lab (lifting 25 lbs) and operate equipment to make various product samples
• Conduct routine analytical and performance evaluations accurately and efficiently
• Maintain a lab notebook by recording results and completing data analysis
• Organize and prioritize tasks related to project work
• Summarize results in technical reports when asked and assist in the interpretation of data from experiments/analysis

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Enrolled in a bachelor's/undergraduate degree program in Food Science preferred, or related Engineering
• Experience with bakery and/or emulsion type food products preferred
• Experience with international business exposure preferred
• PC/Internet skills
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• MiniTab
• Ability to create flow diagrams and spreadsheets
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

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COMPENSATION

In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.

Annual Range/Hourly Rate

$24.00 - $32.00

Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Human Resources department at if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.