Chemistry Lab Technician

Chemistry Lab Technician Department: Research & Development Employment Type: Full Time Location: Fort Wayne Office Reporting To: VP of Science Description BW Fusion is looking for a hands-on Chemistry Lab Technician to support our R&D and product development team in formulating and testing agricultural nutritionals and biostimulants. You'll work directly with our Director of Microbiology and VP of Science to bring new products from bench-top concept to stable, field-ready formulations. This position will oversee compatibility trials, accelerated aging studies, and analytical testing that inform formulation and shelf-life decisions across our product pipeline. This is a great fit for someone who enjoys precise, detail-oriented lab work and wants to see their results directly shape commercial products. What You'll Do Support formulation of liquid and dry nutritional and biostimulant products, including foliar micronutrient blends, amino acid-based products, and microbial/fermentation-derived formulations Set up and monitor accelerated aging and stability studies (elevated temperature, freeze-thaw, long-term shelf-life) and track/report physical and chemical changes over time Run routine analytical testing to support formulation work: pH, specific gravity/density, viscosity, conductivity, particle size, and compatibility/tank-mix screening Prepare lab-scale batches and trial formulations following formulator instructions, accurately measuring, weighing, and mixing raw materials Maintain detailed, organized lab notebooks and data logs; enter and track results in spreadsheets or lab data systems Monitor for physical instability issues (precipitation, separation, off-gassing, microbial contamination, color/odor change) and flag results to the formulation team Assist with raw material and finished product testing, including basic wet chemistry and use of lab instrumentation Maintain lab equipment, calibration schedules, reagent inventory, and general lab organization and safety compliance Support scale-up trials, moving promising bench formulations toward pilot or production scale Collaborate with formulation, fermentation, and regulatory team members to troubleshoot product issues What You Bring Required Bachelor's or Masters degree in Chemistry, Biology, Agronomy, or a related science field (or equivalent hands-on lab experience) Experience with basic analytical instrumentation (pH meters, balances, viscometers, etc.) and willingness to learn new equipment Strong attention to detail and comfort following precise protocols and documenting results accurately Basic proficiency in Excel or similar tools for data logging and tracking Good communication skills and ability to work well in a small, collaborative team Preferred Prior lab experience: coursework labs, internships, or professional experience in a chemistry, ag, formulation Experience with aseptic technique and bacteriology Interest in agriculture, plant science, or biologicals is a plus Benefits Comprehensive Medical Benefits with FSA/HSA Options Supplemental Insurance (Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity) Company-Paid Life Insurance 401(k) with Company Match PTO & Paid Holidays Maternity Leave #J-18808-Ljbffr