Research And Development Associate Jobs in Boulder, CO

The R&D Application Technician supports Ardent Mills' Research & Development and Product Development teams by planning, preparing, and executing product application trials, ingredient evaluations, and customer-focused technical projects. This role works closely with scientists, product developers, milling teams, and cross-functional partners to assess ingredient functionality, product performance, and process optimization across a variety of grain-, legume and seed-based applications.

Your Responsibilities

• Work safely in laboratory, pilot plant, and bakery environments while adhering to all Ardent Mills Food Safety and EH&S policies.
• Support the planning, setup, execution, and documentation of application trials, product evaluations, and development projects.
• Prepare and evaluate grain-based products, including flour, bakery mixes, dough systems, baked goods, and other customer-relevant applications.
• Assess ingredient functionality, processing characteristics, and finished product performance using established methods and protocols.
• Accurately generate, record, analyze, and communicate technical results and observations to project teams and stakeholders.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory, bakery, pilot plant (limited support at Third Parties if needed), and processing equipment.
• Maintain detailed electronic records, databases, laboratory notebooks, and technical reports in accordance with company standards.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists, GQR team members, quality teams, operations, and commercial partners to support innovation and customer-focused initiatives.
• Assist in the development, validation, and continuous improvement of application methods, testing protocols, and product evaluation techniques.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while managing inventories of ingredients, supplies, and consumables.

Essential Skills and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in Food Science, Grain Science, Biology, Chemistry, Culinary Arts, Baking Science, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory practices, product development processes, and scientific methodology.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and food application testing, preferably within grain-based products.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to organize and manage technical information.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Strong sense of urgency and commitment to delivering high-quality results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data management systems.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and presentation of results.

Good to Have

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in food product development, application testing, bakery science, grain science, or a related R&D environment.
• Experience with pilot plant operations, baking applications, or ingredient functionality testing.
• Knowledge of cereal grains, flour functionality, and bakery product development.
• Experience supporting customer-facing technical projects or innovation programs.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions (with or without reasonable accommodation)

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (20 kg).
• Ability to work in office, laboratory, pilot plant, bakery, cooler, freezer, and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during testing and product evaluations.
• Ability to work with and consume wheat-based products; no wheat/gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or allergy.
• Position requires regular work in laboratory and pilot plant environments where all major food allergens may be present, including but not limited to wheat, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, and shellfish.
• Must be able to safely work in and around products and ingredients containing food allergens.

Other Considerations

• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.
• This is a full-time, in-office position requiring on-site attendance five days per week.

Location:

Denver CO

Address:

1875 Lawrence Street, Denver CO, 80202

Additional Locations (if applicable):

Employment Type:

Full time

Additional Information:

Competitive Compensation:

We provide market-driven base pay, based on skills, abilities, and level of experiences. Our salary ranges are broad, and individual salary will be market competitive based on a candidate's unique set of skills and level of experience. The starting range for this position is $25.90 - $34.57, with additional earning potential possible commensurate with experience. Additionally, we believe that our team members are the reason for our success and all team members are incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and individual results achieved. While the specific bonus plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions, the targeted bonus plan and targeted percentage amount for this role is Bonus - MIP, 5% Annual.

Benefits:

At Ardent Mills we offer a wide range of benefits to our team members and their eligible family members. Some of our great benefit programs you may be eligible for include: Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage Health and Dependent Savings Accounts Life and Disability Programs Voluntary Benefit Programs Company Sponsored Wellness Programs Retirement Savings with Company Match Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP) Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE).

Application Deadline:

09/10/202609/10/2026

EEO Commitment:

At Ardent Mills, everyone matters and everyone has a voice. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and team members and the decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, age, political affiliation, or any other non-merit characteristic protected by law or not. Together, celebrating our differences, we make Ardent Mills. The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this position. The description, duties, functions, and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of Ardent Mills.En Ardent Mills, todos importan y todos tienen voz. Estamos comprometidos a brindar un ambiente de respeto mutuo donde haya igualdad de oportunidades disponibles para todos los solicitantes y miembros del equipo y las decisiones se basaran en el merito, la competencia, el desempeno y las necesidades comerciales. Estamos orgullosos de ser un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. No discriminamos por motivos de raza, color, religion, credo, origen nacional, ascendencia, estado civil, sexo, orientacion sexual, identidad o expresion de genero, discapacidad fisica o mental, embarazo, informacion genetica, condicion de veterano, edad, politica. afiliacion, o cualquier otra caracteristica no meritoria protegida por ley o no. Juntos, celebrando nuestras diferencias, formamos Ardent Mills. La descripcion del puesto anterior ha sido disenada para indicar la naturaleza general y los deberes y responsabilidades esenciales del trabajo realizado por los empleados dentro de este puesto. Es posible que no contenga un inventario completo de todos los deberes, responsabilidades y calificaciones requeridas de los empleados en este puesto. La descripcion, los deberes, las funciones y las responsabilidades estan sujetos a cambios a discrecion de Ardent Mills.Shift Differential:The Company provides a shift differential to eligible employees who are assigned to and work shifts outside of standard business hours. Shift differential is paid in addition to the employee's regular base hourly rate and is included in the calculation of the regular rate for overtime purposes.La Compania proporciona un diferencial de turno a los empleados elegibles que estan asignados a turnos de trabajo y fuera del horario comercial estandar. El diferencial de turnos se paga ademas de la tarifa horaria basica regular del empleado y se incluye en el calculo de la tarifa regular para fines de horas extras.

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