Research Assistant (Aurora)

Job Title : Laboratory Technician / R&D Materials Science Lab Contractor

Locations : Downers Grove, 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. Youll 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 :

Associates degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.

Preferred Qualifications :

Bachelors degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.

12 years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic or industrial setting.

Experience with advanced analytical instrumentation and laboratory best practices.