Research and Development Tech

Job Description Laboratory Technician – Research & Development Monday – Friday: 8am – 4:30pm (occasional overtime required) Pay: $18 - $22 hourly (based on experience) Department Research & Development (R&D) Reports To Commercialization Manager Position Summary The 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. The 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. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Prepare laboratory-scale batches of new product formulations according to established recipes and experimental procedures. Accurately weigh, measure, mix, cook, process, and package product samples for evaluation. Assist R&D staff in developing and modifying product formulations to meet quality, cost, nutritional, regulatory, manufacturing, and customer requirements. Conduct ingredient functionality testing and evaluate the performance of raw materials in various formulations. Prepare samples for internal evaluations, customer presentations, production trials, shelf-life studies, and commercialization activities. Package, label, document, and ship customer samples while ensuring product integrity and traceability. Perform physical, chemical, and sensory testing on products as directed. Test and document beginning, middle, and end production retain samples to verify product consistency throughout manufacturing runs. Maintain detailed laboratory records, testing results, and project documentation. Record experimental data accurately and enter results into company databases and record keeping systems. Organize and label ingredients, samples, retains, and finished products to maintain traceability. Receive, organize, and restock laboratory ingredients and supplies as needed. Calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment. Ensure laboratory equipment is functioning properly before conducting experiments. Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and sanitation. Dispose of laboratory waste according to company procedures. Follow all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, SQF, GMP, OSHA, and company safety policies. Assist with pilot plant trials, production scale-up activities, and commercialization projects as needed. Communicate project progress, observations, and recommendations to management and cross-functional teams. Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Research & Development department. Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Operations, Purchasing, Sales, Customer Service, Product Development, and Commercialization as needed. Maintain confidentiality of proprietary formulas, processes, customer projects, and product information. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific field preferred but not necessary. 1–3 years of laboratory experience in food manufacturing, food research, or a related field preferred. Experience working with food formulations, ingredients, laboratory equipment, and food manufacturing processes is highly desirable. Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of food science principles and ingredient functionality. Understanding of laboratory techniques and scientific testing methods. Familiarity with food manufacturing processes and product development. Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, SQF, FDA regulations, and food safety practices. Strong mathematical skills, including percentages, ratios, recipe scaling, and formulation calculations. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word. Experience with ERP systems is a plus. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while functioning effectively within a team. Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proprietary formulations, customer information, and product development projects. Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout the workday. Manual dexterity required to operate laboratory equipment and handle measuring instruments. Ability to distinguish colors, textures, aromas, and product characteristics during evaluations. Ability to work in refrigerated, ambient, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments. Work Environment Food manufacturing and laboratory environment. Exposure to food allergens including, but not limited to, dairy, wheat, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and other common ingredients. Occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals and sanitizers. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required as dictated by company policy. Performance Expectations Success in this position is measured by: Accuracy of formulation preparation and documentation. Timely completion of assigned research and development projects. Quality and consistency of laboratory samples and customer sample shipments. Compliance with food safety, quality, and laboratory procedures. Organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness of the laboratory. Effective inventory management and timely restocking of laboratory supplies. Support of product development and commercialization timelines. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams. Continuous improvement and innovation contributions. Preferred Competencies Detail-oriented Strong analytical thinking Initiative and self-motivation Adaptability Teamwork and collaboration Professional communication Accountability Continuous learning mindset Problem-solving Results-oriented Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Work Location: In person