Botany Research Assistant Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

About the Role:

We are seeking a Food Technologist to join a growing Research and Development team and support the successful development of innovative food products from concept through commercialization. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline to begin a career in food manufacturing. The role offers hands-on experience in new product development, ingredient sourcing, procurement, supplier management, food safety, regulatory documentation, and cross-functional collaboration with Research and Development, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams.

Responsibilities:

• Support new product development initiatives by sourcing raw materials, ingredients, and packaging components for research and commercialization projects.
• Identify, evaluate, and compare ingredients based on functionality, quality, cost, availability, nutritional profile, and regulatory compliance.
• Obtain supplier pricing, product specifications, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), technical documentation, samples, and minimum order quantities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with domestic and international ingredient suppliers and manufacturers.
• Assist with purchasing activities, procurement processes, supplier communications, and sourcing documentation.
• Maintain accurate ingredient, supplier, and purchasing information within ERP systems and related business applications.
• Review technical documentation, ingredient specifications, and COAs to ensure compliance with quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor ingredient availability, market trends, pricing fluctuations, and emerging ingredient innovations to support sourcing decisions.
• Research new ingredients, alternative suppliers, and sourcing opportunities using technical resources, scientific literature, and AI-powered research tools.
• Collaborate with Research and Development, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Supply Chain teams to support successful product launches.
• Assist with supplier qualification activities, supplier documentation management, and vendor record maintenance.
• Identify opportunities to improve sourcing efficiency, procurement workflows, inventory management, and supplier performance.
• Support additional purchasing, procurement, and product development projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Nutrition, Botany, or another related scientific discipline.
• Recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Comprehensive training in purchasing, procurement, and ingredient sourcing will be provided.
• Internship, laboratory, manufacturing, research, or academic project experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong interest in food manufacturing, food ingredients, product development, procurement, purchasing, or supply chain operations.
• Knowledge of food science principles, ingredient functionality, food processing, or product formulation through academic coursework or laboratory experience.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and the ability to quickly learn ERP systems and business software.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn new technical and business processes.

Desired Qualifications:

• Internship or professional experience within food manufacturing, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, consumer packaged goods, cosmetics, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety systems, HACCP, quality assurance, laboratory operations, or regulatory compliance.
• Exposure to ingredient functionality, formulation development, raw material evaluation, or supplier qualification processes.
• Experience using AI tools, scientific databases, or research platforms to evaluate ingredients, suppliers, or market trends.
• Understanding of procurement, sourcing strategies, inventory management, ERP systems, or supply chain operations.
• Interest in developing a long-term career in Research and Development, Food Technology, Product Development, Purchasing, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Supply Chain within the food manufacturing industry.