Formulation Research And Development Jobs in Edmonton, AB

The Laboratory Technician supports a busy Lab Services Department that provides chemical and application laboratory support to research and development activities. This role focuses on assisting new product development, R&D, commercial, manufacturing, and technical service groups, with a particular emphasis on supporting resin formulation chemists working on experimental resin products, procedural development, and process optimization. The position plays a key role in the effective and timely commercialization of products by delivering accurate laboratory work, maintaining high safety standards, and contributing to a safety-conscious culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide chemical and application laboratory support to research and development activities, including new product development and experimental resin formulations.
• Support formulation chemists by preparing, testing, and evaluating experimental resin products in accordance with established procedures and project requirements.
• Contribute to procedural development and optimization by performing wet chemistry experiments, documenting methods, and suggesting improvements based on test results.
• Assist R&D, commercial, manufacturing, and technical service groups by conducting laboratory tests, analyzing results, and sharing findings in a clear and timely manner.
• Work safely with chemicals, including formaldehyde, by strictly following safety procedures, job risk assessments, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Plan and organize daily work to meet project timelines, balancing hands-on laboratory tasks with effective resource planning.
• Manage and report laboratory data accurately, including recording test results, maintaining records, and supporting data analysis and reporting requirements.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including R&D colleagues, manufacturing personnel, and other functional teams, to ensure alignment on testing needs and outcomes.
• Provide day-to-day support within the Lab Services Department by helping coordinate tasks, aligning priorities with departmental objectives, and contributing to the tactical execution of assigned work.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently without close supervision, taking ownership of assigned responsibilities and proactively solving problems as they arise.
• Participate actively in safety programs by engaging in job risk assessments, supporting SOP development or refinement, and promoting a strong safety-first culture in the laboratory.
• Support the broader R&D team by maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment that meets internal standards and regulatory expectations.

• 5+ years of relevant experience in the chemistry synthesis space, including hands-on wet chemistry work.
• Strong expertise working in a safety-first environment, including practical experience handling hazardous substances such as formaldehyde and following strict safety protocols.
• Proven ability to problem-solve and think creatively and critically, with a track record of working independently without the need for close supervision.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Material Science.
• 2+ years of experience communicating with a variety of stakeholders, including technical and non-technical audiences.
• 2+ years of experience managing a team of approximately 2–5 people.
• Experience with safety practices such as Job Risk Assessments, development and use of SOPs, PPE management, and onsite safety communication.
• Demonstrated time management skills, including the ability to resource plan while remaining hands-on in laboratory activities.
• Experience managing, reporting, and organizing laboratory data.
• Strong forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate issues and propose practical solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with personnel on the manufacturing floor and adapt communication style to different stakeholder groups.

• At least 1 year of experience in the forestry or mill industry is an asset.
• Experience working in a large organizational setting with cross-functional R&D teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively without a manager onsite, showing self-motivation and accountability.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills to build strong working relationships with R&D, manufacturing, and other internal teams.
• Interest in long-term professional growth and development within an R&D environment.

This role is 100% on site in a laboratory environment and requires full-time in-office presence five days a week. The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The position is based in an R&D laboratory located adjacent to a main site building that houses approximately 100 people, while the immediate R&D team is relatively small, including other Laboratory Technicians and a contractor. The direct manager is located offsite in another R&D laboratory, so day-to-day work requires a high degree of independence and self-direction. The environment has a strong safety focus, particularly due to the use of chemicals such as formaldehyde, and the consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is expected. The lab operates within a structured R&D setting that emphasizes safe work practices, clear communication, and collaboration with both laboratory and manufacturing personnel.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Edmonton, AB.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $48.00/hr.

This is a fully onsite position in Edmonton,AB.

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