R&D Co-op

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.

• →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  

• →Values-led: You’ll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun. Sometimes, even making granola bars is hard, and life’s too short to take ourselves so seriously that we don’t enjoy the journey.
• →Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We’re still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we’ll offer the world, into the future. This means rolling up your sleeves and sometimes building the process – fast! – while employing it. At Riverside, progress occasionally means proceeding imperfectly, and we’re okay with that, as long as we’re staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way.
• →Access to everyone: We’re a flat organization with few silos which means you’ll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So don’t be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldn’t – like the plant, or the boardroom.
• →Personal development: We’ll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself. Career paths at Riverside are carved by the people walking on them, not dictated by leaders. Count on us to give you the training and tools to grow and progress.
• →Gratitude: As a growing business, we can’t always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, we’re all in this together and we value you.
  
• →Be a Riverside Brand Ambassador: Stay relentlessly close to our consumers and represent the brand in every interaction, decision, and deliverable. Bring the consumer voice into your work by protecting product quality, availability, and experience, acting early when standards slip, and delivering consistent value that earns trust, advocacy, and long-term brand love.

• 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 

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

• 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)  

If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button!

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Disclaimer: As part of our recruitment process, we may use technology-assisted tools, including automated systems, to support the review and assessment of applications. These tools do not make final hiring decisions. All decisions related to screening, interviewing, and selection are made by our Talent Acquisition and hiring teams.