R&d Lab Technician

Job Title: R&D Lab Technician Job Description The R&D Lab Technician supports research and development scientists by assisting with the design, planning, validation, and implementation of new products, line extensions, product improvements, and technical service projects. This role ensures that R&D laboratories, equipment, and related storage areas remain organized, compliant, and fully operational while contributing directly to product development activities and cross-functional initiatives. Responsibilities * Execute assigned product development activities under limited supervision, including weighing ingredients, preparing batches, and conducting product and package quality testing. * Perform routine and varied laboratory and production tests by following established and recognized procedures. * Support cost-saving initiatives, sample tasting, sensory evaluations, shelf-life reviews, and sample organization according to project priorities. * Oversee sample requests for the lab across multiple product categories, maintaining a detailed sample request log and coordinating requests efficiently. * Create accurate labels, prepare product samples, fill packaging, and review all outgoing sample shipments for accuracy, while maintaining retains for all sample requests. * Maintain and manage product Holds and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and support business needs. * Maintain a benchmarking program for multiple product categories to support product comparison and improvement initiatives. * Coordinate and support bench-top work, plant trials, and first production runs in collaboration with scientists and operations teams. * Communicate test results and data insights to the supervisor and team as directed, ensuring clear and timely information sharing. * Enter data accurately into assigned computer systems, including spreadsheets and PDM/SAP or similar systems, to support product development documentation. * Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant records for all laboratory work and development activities. * Keep the laboratory and ingredients, product, and packaging storage areas organized and compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). * Proactively clean and sanitize laboratory areas, dishes, and equipment to support a safe and hygienic work environment. * Check email at least once daily and respond in a timely manner to ensure effective communication and workflow. * Assist other departments, such as Quality Assurance and Microbiology, as requested to support overall business needs. * Provide backup coverage for other lab technicians during absences to ensure continuity of laboratory operations. Essential Skills * Hands-on laboratory experience in a scientific or technical environment, ideally in food science, biology, or a related field, or 1 year of lab experience. * Strong attention to detail when preparing batches, testing products, labeling samples, and documenting results. * Good Documentation Practices (GDP) to ensure accurate, complete, and compliant recordkeeping. * Ability to follow established laboratory procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). * Organizational skills to manage multiple sample requests, maintain logs, and keep lab and storage areas orderly. * Basic computer skills, including data entry into spreadsheets and product data management systems such as PDM/SAP or similar tools. * Ability to communicate results and insights clearly to supervisors and team members. * Capability to work under limited supervision while managing tasks in order of priority. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Interest in learning and developing within food science or related scientific disciplines. * Background or coursework in food science, biology, or a related scientific field. * Experience supporting product development, quality control, or technical service in a laboratory or production environment. * Familiarity with sensory evaluation, sample tasting, and shelf-life review processes. * Experience coordinating plant trials or first production runs with operations teams. * Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including QA and Microbiology. * Flexibility to provide backup support for other lab technicians as needed. Work Environment This role is primarily based in the R&D laboratory and adjacent office areas, with some work in production environments during trials and first production runs. The position starts at approximately three days per week with the opportunity to grow to four or five days per week based on business needs and performance. The role follows a day-shift schedule with flexible hours and days; a typical schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday or Thursday, with some flexibility as agreed with the team. The environment involves working with laboratory equipment, ingredients, product samples, and packaging materials, and requires adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices and standard laboratory hygiene, including regular cleaning and sanitizing of work areas, dishes, and equipment. Appropriate laboratory attire and safety practices are expected at all times. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Manawa, WI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $20.00/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 Manawa,WI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: * Hiring diverse talent * Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection * Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes * Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at .

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