Research and Development Assistant

Be part of something BIG here at Gorton’s. With the iconic yellow sticker and a catchy jingle, Gorton’s is now reaching more households than ever. As the #1 brand within Frozen Prepared Seafood, we have long been committed to a passion for the consumer and driving growth through innovation.  We are looking for equally passionate people to help us fulfill our mission of spreading the goodness of the sea to everyone!

Position Summary:

As a Research & Development Assistant you will support the development of frozen seafood products by assisting in all stages of the product development process at Gorton’s.  This includes working at the lab bench and in production facilities. 

What you’ll do:

• Prepare product prototypes for evaluation, manage ingredient inventory, analytical testing and supporting R&D department Food Scientists
• Support and coordinate production facility trials
• Develop cooking instructions and perform sensory evaluation of products
• Conduct and summarize storage study test evaluations using trend analysis
• Prepare products to showcase to buyers/customers/employees at sales meetings and customer review events.
• Assemble and ship products to external labs and customers and maintain file documentation of shipments.
• Maintain clean lab environment by cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining R&D lab and storage areas.
• Pickup and deliver products and ingredients for R&D, including but not limited to items from local warehouses.

What you’ll need:

• B.S. degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or Culinary Arts is preferred or 2+ years of experience in related field
• Must be comfortable working in the culinary kitchen and analytical laboratory, as well as around large industrial, food processing equipment.
• Ability to conduct basic analytic tests on food with training
• Solid quantitative skills, with aptitude for technology and science
• Competence with Microsoft Office software
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills and organization skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to taste fish and shellfish prototypes
• Able to lift 50 lbs
• Able to travel and be flexible in work hours

Who we are:
Since 1849, America has trusted the Gorton’s Fisherman. And for over 170 years, Gorton’s has trusted our employees to work with integrity, pursue their curiosity, respond with agility, work collaboratively, and be passionate about our mission to spread the goodness of the sea by making quality seafood accessible to everyone. We provide a rich opportunity for professional growth, in a fun and collaborative environment, supported by our development and training programs, our generous benefits, work life balance, and the ability to make a difference. We invite you to join our national brand based in Gloucester, Massachusetts.