Lab Technician

Job Summary

Elevate the future of pet nutrition as an ITQ Technologist within our North America Pet division. This role is at the heart of our Research and Development (ITQ) team, where you will provide critical analytical support to drive innovation, renovation, and Holistic Margin Management (HMM) projects. From dry kibble to fresh pet food categories, you will leverage instrumental analysis to unlock new levels of palatability and ingredient functionality.

If you are a high‑performing technician with a passion for laboratory science and a desire to see your data translate into market‑leading products, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your career in a dynamic, safety‑first environment.

• Location:
  
  Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Job type:
  Contract
• Salary: $21–27 per hour
• Work hours:
  
  9 to 5
• Education:
  
  Associate

• Analytical Execution:
  Conduct rigorous analytical testing, encompassing complex sample preparation (grinding, weighing, pipetting) and instrumental analysis within the ITQ Pet Lab.
• Data Synthesis:
  Summarize technical results and collaborate closely with ITQ Technology Scientists to share key learnings that influence product development.
• Instrument Stewardship:
  Manage the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of lab instrumentation to ensure peak performance and data accuracy.
• Innovation Support:
  Partner in the exploration and validation of new analytical instruments and methodologies to enhance pet food palatability.
• Documentation & Compliance:
  Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for lab equipment while serving as a champion for lab safety protocols.
• Project Coordination:
  Independently manage specific project work streams while collaborating across the broader ITQ and external networks to deliver results on time.
• Stakeholder Communication:
  Provide clear, consistent updates on deliverables and adapt to changing business dynamics in partnership with senior scientists.

• Education:
  
  A 4‑year degree in a scientific field (e.g., Chemistry, Food Science) OR a 2‑year degree with 2–3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Foundational knowledge of food chemistry testing and manual calculation of analytical results.

• Instrumental Expertise:
  Hands‑on familiarity with Gas Chromatography (GC) and other advanced analytical chemistry platforms.
• Creative Problem Solving: A demonstrated passion for equipment setup, modifications, and optimizing food processing evaluations.
• Interpersonal Impact:
  Strong ability to build professional relationships across all levels of a technical organization to advance shared goals.
• Critical Thinking: A results‑oriented approach with a strong bias for action and attention to detail.
• Laboratory Aptitude:
  High comfort level in a food lab environment, including the operation and troubleshooting of mechanical/analytical equipment.
• Digital Literacy:
  Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and general data entry.
• Self‑Management:
  Ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks and execute high‑quality work with minimal daily supervision.
• Safety Mindset:
  Basic understanding of human and food safety standards (GMP/GLP).

• Sample Preparation
• Sample Testing

Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short‑term disability, and a 401(k) plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.