R&D Laboratory Specialist

**Job Overview:**

Tropicana Brands Group is seeking a highly skilled R&D Laboratory Specialist/Technician to join our Research & Development team in Cork, Ireland.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring all samples produced are of suitable quality for their intended use. This includes preparing samples for consumer tests, shelf-life studies, or prototyping using pasteurisers ranging from bench-top to pilot scale.

We are looking for an individual with a strong understanding of food quality attributes and how to achieve good application results on a consistent basis. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience in laboratory and pilot plant environments, as well as knowledge of R&D best practices.

**Key Responsibilities:**

• Prepare samples for consumer tests, shelf-life studies, or prototyping using pasteurisers ranging from bench-top to pilot scale.
• Ensure samples are produced accurately and on time according to recipes provided by the Product Developer.
• Maintain a sufficient understanding to ensure all samples produced are of a suitable quality for their intended use.
• Conduct basic analyses (following training) and perform calibrations, such as measuring Brix, acidity, pH, and vitamin C levels.
• Coordinate timely and accurate shipment of samples and liaise with shipment companies as needed.

**Requirements:**

• A BSc in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline, or an equivalent qualification.
• 1–2 years of experience in technical roles, operations, quality assurance, or food safety.
• Ability to plan, execute, and complete daily laboratory and pilot plant tasks within specified time frames.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and capability to operate technical equipment accurately.