Cocoa Science Lab Research Associate

Title: Cocoa Science Lab Research Associate

Location: Hershey, PA

Shift: 1st shift

Duration: 6 months

This position will provide assistance to multiple scientists on high complexity projects and lead small projects with guidance and support. The individual will operate analytical equipment, run experiments supporting scientists work, prepare recipes in lab and assist in pilot plant testing under the supervision of R&D scientists. The individual will help clean and maintain cocoa science lab and pilot plant equipment and space at the highest quality, food safety and sanitation standards.

The individual must have good organization skills, experience working in a team, be competent with data collection and entry, basic calculations, and operation of lab and pilot equipment. The individual will report to the Sr. Scientist, Cocoa Science.

• Benchtop development that draws upon experiences in food processing and preparation
• Lab tests planning, set-up, running tests and clean-up: record operations observations, sampling, and analysis
• Pilot plant testing - equipment assembly, preparations and clean-up
• Support scale-up testing initiatives such as trials, sample production, sample collection and submitting for analysis
• Identify project support needs and partner with project leaders on planning and execution
• Data entry, basic calculations and analysis, and leverage computer applications

• 35% Operating lab, pilot plant and analytical equipment, characterizing food. Preparing snacks and/or confectionery for processing and operating pilot plant / lab equipment
• 35% Recording data, interpretation of data & completion of documentation
• 20% Maintaining & cleaning lab equipment and work spaces
• 10% Maintaining inventory and ordering of equipment and supplies

• Ability to operate analytical equipment and run experiments
• Ability to record & interpret data
• Technical report writing

• High Attention to Detail
• Strong listening skills
• Experience operating lab, pilot plant and analytical equipment and demonstrated proficiency
• Knowledge of Word, Excel and some basic Power Point
• Technical Report Writing
• Research Experience

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

• Experience in operating equipment & instrumentation included but not limited to cocoa and chocolate processing and basic food characterization instrumentation

• Ability to read, understand, and follow formulation sheets and procedures
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle allergens including dairy, 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