LABORATORY TECHNICIAN /
R&D TECHNICIAN
Job Description
LOCATION
On-site at the Innovation Laboratory
REPORTS TO
VP of R&D
LEVEL
Laboratory Technician / R&D Technician
TARGET START
Q3 2026
ROLE SUMMARY
The Laboratory Technician / R&D Technician supports formulation development, blend execution, sample preparation, process documentation, and daily laboratory operations within a fast-paced gummy and functional nutrition environment. This role is hands-on and central to keeping our R&D bench moving.
We are a lean, fast-growing contract gummy manufacturer entering our second year of operation and scaling quickly. This is a ground-floor opportunity to take ownership of daily lab responsibilities, build scalable systems and processes, and grow your technical expertise as the company grows.
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, technically capable self-starter with a strong work ethic and a positive, solution-oriented attitude. You should be comfortable balancing innovation, quality, and throughput, and ready to ramp independently in a role with no overlap from the outgoing technician.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Formulation & Blend Execution
■ Execute the daily blend schedule with a target of 3 to 5 blends per day
■ Prepare bench-top, pilot, and scale-up gummy formulations
■ Accurately weigh, batch, and process ingredients according to formulation requirements
■ Support development of functional gummies including vitamin, mineral, protein, fiber, creatine, probiotic, and specialty formulations
■ Troubleshoot formulation and process inconsistencies
■ Maintain urgency and efficiency while ensuring high-quality sample execution
Laboratory Operations
■ Maintain an organized laboratory workspace and equipment
■ Support cleaning, sanitation, and workflow turnover activities
■ Operate laboratory and pilot-scale processing equipment safely and efficiently
■ Assist in workflow optimization and operational efficiency initiatives
■ Support implementation of automation and process improvement projects
■ Help build scalable systems and workflows to support company growth
Documentation & Quality Systems
■ Maintain accurate batch records, formulation notes, and process documentation
■ Support QA initiatives including deviation tracking and documentation review
■ Assist in development and refinement of reporting standards and data tracking systems
■ Ensure compliance with SOPs, cGMP practices, and internal quality standards
Inventory & Material Management
■ Manage inventory of raw materials, packaging components, and lab consumables
■ Monitor ingredient levels and proactively communicate reordering needs
■ Stage materials and organize ingredients to support efficient daily production flow
Collaboration & Commercial Support
■ Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, QA, operations, and commercial teams
■ Participate in customer sample preparation and innovation projects
■ Support handoff to Quality after successful benchwork and customer sample acceptance
■ Contribute positively to a high-growth, team-oriented culture
REQUIREMENTS
Must-Have Skills
■ Strong organizational and multitasking capability
■ Strong mathematical and analytical skills
■ Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities (this role ramps solo, with no overlap from the outgoing technician)
■ Positive, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset
■ Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment
Education and Experience
■ Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field required
■ Master's degree in Food Science (OR)
■ Bachelor's degree plus 2 or more years of relevant experience may substitute for the preferred Master's
NICE-TO-HAVES
■ 2 or more years of experience in formulation, food manufacturing, nutraceutical, confectionery, or R&D laboratory roles
■ Experience with gummy, confectionery, or nutraceutical manufacturing
■ Familiarity with pH, Brix, water activity, and ingredient functionality
■ Experience working within cGMP or regulated manufacturing environments
■ Understanding of hydrocolloids, gelatin, pectin, fibers, proteins, and active ingredients
■ Experience with inventory management and process documentation systems
■ Comfort with Monday.com or similar workflow and data tracking tools
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
