R&D Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Joseph's Bakery has been crafting high-quality pita, lavash, and wraps since 1972. As a family-owned company now led by the third generation of the Boghos family, we are proud to combine tradition, innovation, and better-for-you products that customers nationwide know and love. With continued growth and expansion, we are looking for dependable team members who are eager to grow with us.

Position Summary

Joseph's Bakery is seeking a reliable and motivated R&D Assistant to work directly with our R&D Manager and support the day-to-day activities of our Research & Development function. In this role, you will assist with ingredient preparation, product testing, sample preparation, basic laboratory testing, and production trials.

This is a hands-on position in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. The R&D Assistant will work closely with the R&D Manager and collaborate with Production, Quality, and other departments as needed. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, able to work independently, and comfortable managing day-to-day tasks in a production environment.

Why Join Joseph's?

• Family-owned company with a collaborative and supportive culture
• Stable and growing organization with long-term opportunity
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid holidays
  • Vacation time
• Paid training
• Opportunity to develop experience in Research & Development and food manufacturing

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the R&D Manager with day-to-day R&D activities and product development projects
• Prepare, measure, organize, and coordinate ingredients and materials needed for product testing and trials
• Prepare samples and assist with product testing following established recipes, formulas, and procedures
• Assist with plant trials and product testing in the production environment
• Perform basic laboratory testing and accurately record results
• Assist with sensory evaluations and product assessments
• Assist with testing new ingredients and supplier samples
• Maintain organized records, samples, ingredients, and R&D supplies
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe R&D work area and equipment
• Communicate and coordinate with Production, Quality, and other departments as needed
• Manage assigned day-to-day tasks independently and communicate with the R&D Manager regarding priorities, questions, or issues
• Follow all company policies and procedures, including GMPs, HACCP, Food Safety standards, and Employee Handbook policies
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• 0–2 years of experience in food manufacturing, production, R&D, laboratory, quality, or a related environment preferred
• Food manufacturing experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of food ingredients and bakery processes preferred
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred
• Reliable attendance and punctuality required
• Ability to work flexible hours based on project and production needs
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed
• Ability to work in varying production temperatures and manufacturing environments

Schedule

• Full-time, first shift position
• Monday–Friday
• May occasionally require an earlier start time or later end time based on project or production needs

Additional Information

• This is a full-time onsite position located in Lawrence, MA.
• Relocation assistance is not available.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Joseph's Middle East Bakery is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.