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:
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:
• Associate’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.