{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"0d12f879bc4c9586e5f05852","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/0d12f879bc4c9586e5f05852","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/0d12f879bc4c9586e5f05852","title":"Research and Development Tech","description":"Job Description\nLaboratory Technician – Research & Development\nMonday – Friday: 8am – 4:30pm (occasional overtime required)\nPay: $18 - $22 hourly (based on experience)\nDepartment\nResearch & Development (R&D)\nReports To\nCommercialization Manager\nPosition Summary\nThe Laboratory Technician – Research & Development is responsible for supporting the development of new food products, formulations, and ingredient applications. This position works in the front-end stages of product innovation by preparing laboratory samples, conducting formulation trials, collecting data, maintaining accurate documentation, and assisting the Research & Development team in the evaluation of new products.\nThe Laboratory Technician also supports commercialization efforts by preparing customer samples, monitoring product consistency through production retain testing, maintaining laboratory operations, and ensuring laboratory readiness. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects while working in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.\nEssential Duties and Responsibilities\nPrepare laboratory-scale batches of new product formulations according to established recipes and experimental procedures.\nAccurately weigh, measure, mix, cook, process, and package product samples for evaluation.\nAssist R&D staff in developing and modifying product formulations to meet quality, cost, nutritional, regulatory, manufacturing, and customer requirements.\nConduct ingredient functionality testing and evaluate the performance of raw materials in various formulations.\nPrepare samples for internal evaluations, customer presentations, production trials, shelf-life studies, and commercialization activities.\nPackage, label, document, and ship customer samples while ensuring product integrity and traceability.\nPerform physical, chemical, and sensory testing on products as directed.\nTest and document beginning, middle, and end production retain samples to verify product consistency throughout manufacturing runs.\nMaintain detailed laboratory records, testing results, and project documentation.\nRecord experimental data accurately and enter results into company databases and record keeping systems.\nOrganize and label ingredients, samples, retains, and finished products to maintain traceability.\nReceive, organize, and restock laboratory ingredients and supplies as needed.\nCalibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.\nEnsure laboratory equipment is functioning properly before conducting experiments.\nMaintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and sanitation.\nDispose of laboratory waste according to company procedures.\nFollow all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, SQF, GMP, OSHA, and company safety policies.\nAssist with pilot plant trials, production scale-up activities, and commercialization projects as needed.\nCommunicate project progress, observations, and recommendations to management and cross-functional teams.\nSupport continuous improvement initiatives within the Research & Development department.\nCollaborate with Quality Assurance, Operations, Purchasing, Sales, Customer Service, Product Development, and Commercialization as needed.\nMaintain confidentiality of proprietary formulas, processes, customer projects, and product information.\nPerform other duties as assigned.\nRequired Qualifications\nAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific field preferred but not necessary.\n1–3 years of laboratory experience in food manufacturing, food research, or a related field preferred.\nExperience working with food formulations, ingredients, laboratory equipment, and food manufacturing processes is highly desirable.\nDesired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities\nKnowledge of food science principles and ingredient functionality.\nUnderstanding of laboratory techniques and scientific testing methods.\nFamiliarity with food manufacturing processes and product development.\nKnowledge of GMP, HACCP, SQF, FDA regulations, and food safety practices.\nStrong mathematical skills, including percentages, ratios, recipe scaling, and formulation calculations.\nExcellent attention to detail and accuracy.\nStrong organizational and time management skills.\nAbility to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.\nEffective verbal and written communication skills.\nProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.\nExperience with ERP systems is a plus.\nAbility to work independently with minimal supervision while functioning effectively within a team.\nStrong problem-solving and analytical abilities.\nAbility to maintain confidentiality regarding proprietary formulations, customer information, and product development projects.\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility to stand and walk for extended periods.\nAbility to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.\nAbility to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout the workday.\nManual dexterity required to operate laboratory equipment and handle measuring instruments.\nAbility to distinguish colors, textures, aromas, and product characteristics during evaluations.\nAbility to work in refrigerated, ambient, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.\nWork Environment\nFood manufacturing and laboratory environment.\nExposure to food allergens including, but not limited to, dairy, wheat, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and other common ingredients.\nOccasional exposure to cleaning chemicals and sanitizers.\nPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE) required as dictated by company policy.\nPerformance Expectations\nSuccess in this position is measured by:\nAccuracy of formulation preparation and documentation.\nTimely completion of assigned research and development projects.\nQuality and consistency of laboratory samples and customer sample shipments.\nCompliance with food safety, quality, and laboratory procedures.\nOrganization, cleanliness, and operational readiness of the laboratory.\nEffective inventory management and timely restocking of laboratory supplies.\nSupport of product development and commercialization timelines.\nEffective collaboration with cross-functional teams.\nContinuous improvement and innovation contributions.\nPreferred Competencies\nDetail-oriented\nStrong analytical thinking\nInitiative and self-motivation\nAdaptability\nTeamwork and collaboration\nProfessional communication\nAccountability\nContinuous learning mindset\nProblem-solving\nResults-oriented\nPay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour\nBenefits:\n401(k)\n401(k) matching\nDental insurance\nHealth insurance\nPaid time off\nTuition reimbursement\nVision insurance\nWork Location: In person","company":"Select Brands","rawCompany":"select brands","city":"Springfield","state":"MO","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-04T22:49:17.417Z","occupations":[{"code":"19-4013.00","title":"Food Science Technicians","slug":"food-science-technicians"},{"code":"19-1012.00","title":"Food Scientists and Technologists","slug":"food-scientists-and-technologists"},{"code":"19-4099.00","title":"Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other","slug":"life-physical-and-social-science-technicians-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"311991","title":"Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing","slug":"perishable-prepared-food-manufacturing"},{"code":"311999","title":"All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing","slug":"all-other-miscellaneous-food-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Research and Development Tech","description":"Job Description\nLaboratory Technician – Research & Development\nMonday – Friday: 8am – 4:30pm (occasional overtime required)\nPay: $18 - $22 hourly (based on experience)\nDepartment\nResearch & Development (R&D)\nReports To\nCommercialization Manager\nPosition Summary\nThe Laboratory Technician – Research & Development is responsible for supporting the development of new food products, formulations, and ingredient applications. This position works in the front-end stages of product innovation by preparing laboratory samples, conducting formulation trials, collecting data, maintaining accurate documentation, and assisting the Research & Development team in the evaluation of new products.\nThe Laboratory Technician also supports commercialization efforts by preparing customer samples, monitoring product consistency through production retain testing, maintaining laboratory operations, and ensuring laboratory readiness. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects while working in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.\nEssential Duties and Responsibilities\nPrepare laboratory-scale batches of new product formulations according to established recipes and experimental procedures.\nAccurately weigh, measure, mix, cook, process, and package product samples for evaluation.\nAssist R&D staff in developing and modifying product formulations to meet quality, cost, nutritional, regulatory, manufacturing, and customer requirements.\nConduct ingredient functionality testing and evaluate the performance of raw materials in various formulations.\nPrepare samples for internal evaluations, customer presentations, production trials, shelf-life studies, and commercialization activities.\nPackage, label, document, and ship customer samples while ensuring product integrity and traceability.\nPerform physical, chemical, and sensory testing on products as directed.\nTest and document beginning, middle, and end production retain samples to verify product consistency throughout manufacturing runs.\nMaintain detailed laboratory records, testing results, and project documentation.\nRecord experimental data accurately and enter results into company databases and record keeping systems.\nOrganize and label ingredients, samples, retains, and finished products to maintain traceability.\nReceive, organize, and restock laboratory ingredients and supplies as needed.\nCalibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.\nEnsure laboratory equipment is functioning properly before conducting experiments.\nMaintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and sanitation.\nDispose of laboratory waste according to company procedures.\nFollow all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, SQF, GMP, OSHA, and company safety policies.\nAssist with pilot plant trials, production scale-up activities, and commercialization projects as needed.\nCommunicate project progress, observations, and recommendations to management and cross-functional teams.\nSupport continuous improvement initiatives within the Research & Development department.\nCollaborate with Quality Assurance, Operations, Purchasing, Sales, Customer Service, Product Development, and Commercialization as needed.\nMaintain confidentiality of proprietary formulas, processes, customer projects, and product information.\nPerform other duties as assigned.\nRequired Qualifications\nAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific field preferred but not necessary.\n1–3 years of laboratory experience in food manufacturing, food research, or a related field preferred.\nExperience working with food formulations, ingredients, laboratory equipment, and food manufacturing processes is highly desirable.\nDesired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities\nKnowledge of food science principles and ingredient functionality.\nUnderstanding of laboratory techniques and scientific testing methods.\nFamiliarity with food manufacturing processes and product development.\nKnowledge of GMP, HACCP, SQF, FDA regulations, and food safety practices.\nStrong mathematical skills, including percentages, ratios, recipe scaling, and formulation calculations.\nExcellent attention to detail and accuracy.\nStrong organizational and time management skills.\nAbility to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.\nEffective verbal and written communication skills.\nProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.\nExperience with ERP systems is a plus.\nAbility to work independently with minimal supervision while functioning effectively within a team.\nStrong problem-solving and analytical abilities.\nAbility to maintain confidentiality regarding proprietary formulations, customer information, and product development projects.\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility to stand and walk for extended periods.\nAbility to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.\nAbility to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout the workday.\nManual dexterity required to operate laboratory equipment and handle measuring instruments.\nAbility to distinguish colors, textures, aromas, and product characteristics during evaluations.\nAbility to work in refrigerated, ambient, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.\nWork Environment\nFood manufacturing and laboratory environment.\nExposure to food allergens including, but not limited to, dairy, wheat, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and other common ingredients.\nOccasional exposure to cleaning chemicals and sanitizers.\nPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE) required as dictated by company policy.\nPerformance Expectations\nSuccess in this position is measured by:\nAccuracy of formulation preparation and documentation.\nTimely completion of assigned research and development projects.\nQuality and consistency of laboratory samples and customer sample shipments.\nCompliance with food safety, quality, and laboratory procedures.\nOrganization, cleanliness, and operational readiness of the laboratory.\nEffective inventory management and timely restocking of laboratory supplies.\nSupport of product development and commercialization timelines.\nEffective collaboration with cross-functional teams.\nContinuous improvement and innovation contributions.\nPreferred Competencies\nDetail-oriented\nStrong analytical thinking\nInitiative and self-motivation\nAdaptability\nTeamwork and collaboration\nProfessional communication\nAccountability\nContinuous learning mindset\nProblem-solving\nResults-oriented\nPay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour\nBenefits:\n401(k)\n401(k) matching\nDental insurance\nHealth insurance\nPaid time off\nTuition reimbursement\nVision insurance\nWork Location: In person","datePosted":"2026-08-04T22:49:17.417Z","dateModified":"2026-08-04T22:49:17.417Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Select Brands","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Springfield","addressRegion":"MO","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"0d12f879bc4c9586e5f05852"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/0d12f879bc4c9586e5f05852"}}