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Job Description

As a Lab Technician, you will work under the general supervision of the Food Scientist, focusing on new product development projects. Your role includes developing samples, conducting tasting sessions, evaluating ingredients, and supporting various R&D and cross-functional departments.

Responsibilities

+ Assist the Food Scientist in preparing product samples, following product recipes, mixing, proofing, baking, weighing, and evaluating benchwork samples.

+ Attend factory on-site test productions and provide guidance in the product manufacturing process to verify compliance and obtain optimal samples.

+ Prepare and attend product reviews, sensory sampling, and cuttings to replicate end-user experience.

+ Assist in locating new ingredients, procuring samples, and completing documents.

+ Evaluate, procure, retain, and trial samples for qualitative, sensory, and quantifiable elements.

+ Develop and maintain a filing system for new ingredients.

+ Maintain, stock, and replenish ingredients as needed.

+ Conduct regular cycle counting and inventory of R&D ingredients.

+ Organize and maintain Raw Ingredient storage locations.

+ Receive ingredient COAs from vendors and maintain according to process.

+ Organize, track, and retain product samples in frozen or ambient storage.

+ Communicate with plant management, vendors, and internal departments regarding scheduling, processes, and results.

+ Perform analytical equipment calibrations and schedule periodic lab equipment calibration and preventative maintenance.

+ Assist in preparing and dispatching technical documents within the organization.

+ Communicate and collect technical documents from ingredient suppliers and the plants.

+ File and update documents as necessary.

+ Assist Product Developers in researching subjects, compiling information, and answering customer questions.

+ Prepare documentation associated with department needs, including meeting minutes and customer correspondence.

+ Collaborate with vendors, internal, and external customers.

+ Provide input on processes, products, or formulations to aid in optimal product solutions.

+ Stay current on trends, equipment, and techniques, including attending professional education as appropriate.

+ Initiate label requests and organize and maintain an efficient document filing system.

+ Assist with maintaining the office, including laboratory, kitchen, and storage areas in a professional appearance.

+ Prepare package shipments and coordinate incoming and outgoing deliveries.

Essential Skills

+ 2-3 years of food lab experience in R&D preferred.

+ Bachelor's degree in Science preferred but not required.

+ Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and online search engines.

+ Ability to operate various analytical lab equipment including lab scales, pH meters, refractometers, viscometers, Aw meters, and moisture analyzers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Ability to work well in a small team environment and collaborate with different levels and departments.

+ Proactive in assisting with tasks and ensuring all work is complete by the end of the day.

+ Logical reasoning skills and ability to apply common sense in situations with limited standardization.

Work Environment

You will work in a small team within an R&D Laboratory Environment at a production facility. The lab is equipped with large tables, mixers, ovens, refrigerators, and freezers. You will document and report on your work at a desk in the laboratory. Flexibility is required for variable work hours, including very early or late shifts for plant trials. You will collaborate closely with two Food Scientists and the R&D Manager in a supportive team environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Schaumburg, Illinois.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Schaumburg,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 19, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.