layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

LAYIQ - Research and Development Manager, Food Innovation and Product Development at University of Arkansas System

Food Innovation & Product Development
•Lead development of new food and beverage products from concept through commercialization.
•Create and optimize formulations for flavor, texture, functionality, stability, shelf life, and manufacturability.
•Conduct bench-top, pilot-scale, and production-scale trials.
•Evaluate product feasibility and identify technical challenges early in the development process.
•Improve existing formulations for quality, process efficiency, scalability, and cost optimization.
•Evaluate ingredients, packaging, and processing options to support successful commercialization.
Commercialization & Manufacturing Support
•Translate formulations into scalable manufacturing processes.
•Support product scale-up from development through commercial production.
•Troubleshoot processing challenges including thermal processing, viscosity, texture, consistency, yield, and product performance.
•Develop manufacturing specifications, processing instructions, and production recommendations.
•Work collaboratively with processing and operations staff during initial production runs and commercialization activities.
•Assess manufacturing feasibility and recommend external manufacturing partners or co-packers when appropriate.
Client Consulting & Technical Services
•Serve as AFIC@MCO's primary technical advisor for product development clients.
•Provide consultation on formulation, ingredients, packaging, food safety, manufacturing, and commercialization strategies.
•Assist entrepreneurs and food businesses in understanding technical requirements, development timelines, costs, risks, and opportunities.
•Scope, prioritize, and manage multiple client projects simultaneously.
•Support client onboarding, project planning, and expectation setting.
•Foster strong client relationships and contribute to a positive client experience.
Food Safety, Quality, & Regulatory Support
•Ensure product formulations comply with applicable food safety and regulatory requirements.
•Review ingredient statements, allergen declarations, nutrient analysis, and product claims.
•Support shelf-life studies, product testing, process validation, and food safety assessments.
•Coordinate with external laboratories, process authorities, and regulatory partners as needed.
•Maintain awareness of current food safety regulations, industry standards, and emerging technologies.
Program Leadership & Collaboration
•Lead and mentor R&D staff, interns, and student employees, as applicable.
•Develop and maintain product development procedures, best practices, and documentation systems.
•Collaborate with Operations, Processing, Business Development, Extension, and external partners to deliver successful client outcomes.
•Support development and growth of AFIC@MCO's product development and commercialization services.
•Contribute to grant proposals, technical reports, workshops, and educational programming.
•Represent AFIC@MCO at industry events, conferences, partner meetings, and outreach activities.
Strategic Support
•Evaluate projects for technical feasibility, operational fit, and commercialization potential.
•Provide recommendations regarding AFIC@MCO's ability to support specific projects.
•Identify opportunities to expand services, strengthen partnerships, and increase client impact.
•Support AFIC@MCO's strategic goals related to food entrepreneurship, value-added agriculture, and regional economic development.

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Review of applications will begin October 20th, application will remain open until position is filled.

Recruitment Contact Information:

Erin Killeen, Director of Operations AFIC@MCO, ekilleen@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.

Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy.

Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Feeling, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Driving, Standing, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Research and Development Manager, Food Innovation and Product Development

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