Research And Development Lab Technician

Research and Development Laboratory Technician

This role supports an application-oriented, product development laboratory by performing routine sample preparation, formulation work, and analytical testing in a safe and compliant manner. The Research and Development Laboratory Technician contributes to powder and dispersion characterization, application research, and the production of trial batches, while maintaining high scientific integrity and strong laboratory housekeeping standards. The position offers the opportunity to lead projects under supervision and to gain experience in cosmetic, personal care, health and beauty, or pharmaceutical-related laboratory work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct all laboratory activities in a safe manner by following established industry safety procedures and using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Comply with relevant federal, state, and local regulatory guidance while performing laboratory work.
• Provide support for and conduct routine sample preparation, product development activities, powder and dispersion characterization, and application research.
• Lead assigned projects under the supervision of the Research and Development Manager, ensuring tasks are completed on time and in line with project objectives.
• Perform routine analysis on samples, products, intermediates, and raw materials to support departmental objectives and quality expectations.
• Produce formulation trial batches at both bench scale and alpha scale, following established methods and documenting results accurately.
• Check in personal care ingredients upon receipt, including reviewing and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each material.
• Manage the personal care ingredients inventory, including organizing and maintaining cabinet storage for flammable, corrosive, and hazardous powders and related materials.
• Monitor and remove expired samples and materials in accordance with laboratory procedures and safety requirements.
• Perform routine housekeeping duties such as removing trash, cleaning laboratory glassware, and maintaining records for non-hazardous chemical waste and solvent storage.
• Record, report, and interpret scientific results with accuracy and integrity, following established documentation practices.
• Collaborate with team members in a product development environment, contributing to a cooperative and supportive laboratory culture.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in the sciences
  - Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline.
• Some experience in a cosmetic, personal care, health and beauty, or pharmaceuticals laboratory is a plus.
• Experience in research and development (R&D) or laboratory-based roles.
• Capability to perform routine sample preparation, product development activities, and basic laboratory testing.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for personal care ingredients and other materials.
• Strong work ethic with a positive and cooperative attitude toward coworkers, leadership, and colleagues across the organization.
• Uncompromising scientific integrity and an ethical approach to recording, reporting, and interpreting scientific results.
• Desire to work in an application-oriented, team-focused product development laboratory.
• Organizational skills to manage laboratory inventory, including flammable, corrosive, and hazardous powder materials.
• Attention to detail and reliability in performing routine housekeeping and maintaining accurate records.

Work Environment

This position is based in a product development laboratory operating on a first-shift schedule, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The work involves handling chemicals and materials such as flammable, corrosive, and hazardous powders, requiring consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to safety protocols. The environment emphasizes teamwork, scientific integrity, and an application-oriented approach to research and development.

Daily work includes time at the bench producing trial batches, conducting analyses, and performing routine housekeeping tasks such as cleaning glassware and managing non-hazardous chemical waste and solvent storage records.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Romeoville, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/hr individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge,…