Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician/ R&D Materials Science Lab Contractor
Locations: Downers Grove, Il, 60515
Duration: Continued As Needed - No End Date (Temporary with Potential for Full-Time Hire)
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm or 9am-5pm

Job Summary:

• We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Laboratory Technician to support our Research & Development (R&D) Labs, including the New Product Development, Second Sourcing, and Value Engineering teams. This is a temporary position with the potential for a full-time opportunity based on performance and business needs.
• In this role, you will perform analytical testing on ingredients and finished products using a variety of advanced laboratory instruments. You'll also manage shelf-life and accelerated aging studies, contributing valuable data to our R&D initiatives. Once trained, the ideal candidate will be able to work independently and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Note: This is a lab position where all food allergens (milk, soy, nuts, peanuts, wheat, egg, etc.) are present. This position also includes working in a GMP production facility as needed. This person will be involved in handling and tasting a variety of product types and subsequently exposed to them. All required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided.


Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct analytical testing of ingredients, powders, ready-to-drink beverages, and sports nutrition bars using equipment such as:
o Dynamic Light Scattering Particle Size Analyzer
o Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS)
o Polarized Light Microscope
o Rheometer
o Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
o Shear Cell
o Other advanced lab instruments
• Prepare and monitor ingredient and product samples for accelerated aging and shelf-life studies, and perform testing at designated intervals.
• Record, organize, and format data using Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Gain proficiency in software specific to each analytical instrument used in the lab.


Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
• ssociate's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic or industrial setting.
• Experience with advanced analytical instrumentation and laboratory best practices.


This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced R&D environment and work with cutting-edge analytical tools to help bring new and improved products to market.
Physical Demands
The work is classified as Light - Medium Physical Demand Level (PDL) by the US Dept. of Labor's Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Frequencies: Occasional (1-33%); Frequent (34-66%); Constant (67-100%)