Lab Research Associate

System One is a leading provider of specialized, highly technical services and solutions to critical infrastructure, technology, life sciences, and government sectors.

Long term, contract opportunity (12 months)

This position is 100% onsite. NO remote or hybrid roles.

Salary: DOE

Main Duties:

This individual will work at the Research & Development (R&D) facility to conduct analytical testing to attain the Company's vision to be a snacking powerhouse. This individual will be asked to work under the supervision of a Characterization Scientist. This work would include operation of analytical equipment differential scanning calorimetry, texture analyzers, rheometers, magnetic resonance imaging, creation of methods for analytical measurements, organization and reporting of data and methods. Candidate must have experience in interpreting analytical data and technical report writing. They will also be asked to maintain analytical equipment & lab space. The Characterization work may occur in the lab or the pilot plant. In addition, the associate will be asked to support product development activities such as a batching ingredients, packaging products and cleaning equipment in the pilot plant. The individual will be responsible for maintaining our highest quality of food safety standards and sanitation standards.

Education/Experience:

• Ph.D. degree in STEM (e.g. Chemistry / Food Science / Biology / Physics) and has worked in the field of research.

Must Haves:

• High attention to scientific important details
• Method development experience
• Strong listening skills
• Experience operating analytical equipment and demonstrated proficiency
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Knowledge of Word, Excel and some basic PowerPoint
• Technical report writing experience
• Research experience
• Ability to gain a depth of knowledge and apply to complex method development
• I would like, but I can live without:
• Experience preparing and processing foods

Typical Day:

• 45% Operating analytical equipment in a lab for characterizing food. Preparing snacks and/or confectionery for processing and operating pilot plant / lab equipment - ?5% of time.
• 35% Recording data, interpretation of data & completion of documentation
• 10% Maintaining & cleaning lab equipment and work-spaces
• 10% Maintaining inventory and ordering of equipment and supplies

Technical Skills:

1. Ability to operate analytical equipment
2. Ability to run experiments
3. Ability to record & interpret data
4. Technical report writing

Software Skills and Purpose:

• Experience in Excel, PowerPoint and Word, Basic statistical comparison

Academic / Industry Experience:

• Experience in operating analytical equipment & measurements included but not limited to DSC, Rheometer, Texture-Analyzer and measurement tools

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Method development and research experience
• Ability to read, understand, and follow formulation sheet and procedures
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle allergens including diary, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs and other food ingredient chemicals and allergens while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Experience in Excel, PowerPoint and Word, Basic statistical comparison
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Ability to effectively plan and execute multiple priorities while being flexible and adaptive to change
• General knowledge of food GMP and FSMA

Software Skills and Purpose (if applicable):

• Experience in Excel, PowerPoint and Word, Basic statistical comparison

Industry Experience:

• Great to have experience in sample analysis and operation of laboratory equipment

Team Size:

• Individual contributor

Work Environment:

• Labs, pilot plant, desk work, working meetings, home (with internet connection)

Upcoming Projects/ Busy Seasons:

• Project work is ongoing. A very busy and fast moving/changing R&D program!

What do you foresee as being the biggest challenge in this position?

• Balancing project management and prioritization of many projects simultaneously.
• Collaboration with many different cross functional team members with conflicting needs.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing tasks.