Lab Intern

Position Summary

An R&D Lab Intern supports R&D scientists with routine laboratory tasks under the supervision of the scientists.

This position is designed for college students who can work on site in the Warren, NJ lab at least 2-3 days per week, with a minimum commitment of approximately 20 hours per week. The R&D Lab Intern will support R&D scientists with routine laboratory, sample-management, packaging, inventory, and documentation activities under direct supervision. The role is hands-on and primarily lab-based; responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage incoming and outgoing formulation prototypes, including organizing samples in the Warren sample room, periodically checking inventory, packing and shipping samples for customer requests from Sales, Marketing, and related teams, and maintaining the sample tracker;
• Manually fill formulation prototypes into appropriate packaging, including containers, jars, tubes, bottles, pumps, and similar formats. Products may include moisturizers, creams, foundations, lotions, lip products, makeup, shampoos, conditioners, and related formulations;
• Repack raw materials into designated package formats for trade shows, customer events, meetings, trainings, and other business needs;
• Label samples accurately according to project, customer, formulation, or laboratory requirements;
• Support inventory management for raw materials and laboratory supplies used in R&D activities;
• Assist scientists with stability-chamber sample management, including recording temperature and humidity, placing and removing samples for testing, and documenting assigned data under scientist supervision;
• Move, organize, and store laboratory items as needed; the candidate should be able to safely lift up to 15 pounds;
• Calibrate laboratory equipment according to established SOPs and record calibration activities as required;
• Assist scientists, when appropriate, with laboratory batch-making activities for cosmetic products such as gels, creams, lotions, serums, and related formulations.

Desired Background:

Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, preferably chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology, cosmetic science, formulation science, or a related discipline. Sophomore standing or above is preferred.

Previous laboratory experience, coursework involving laboratory techniques, or exposure to personal care, cosmetic, chemical, or consumer products is preferred but not required.

More specifically, we would seek the following attributes and competencies for the position:
Basic understanding of working in an R&D laboratory environment, with the ability to follow laboratory SOPs, lab safety practices, office safety requirements, and site policies;
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced lab setting;
Curious, open-minded, and quick to learn, with good communication skills and a willingness to ask questions when clarification is needed;
Comfortable using Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and other standard office software for communication, documentation, and tracking activities;
Availability to work a minimum of approximately 20 hours per week, or about 2.5 days per week, with some flexibility depending on business needs and the candidate's schedule.

This role is an on-site, hands-on laboratory position based in the Warren, NJ lab. The role requires regular work in an R&D laboratory environment and may involve handling samples, packaging materials, raw materials, laboratory supplies, and standard laboratory equipment. The position requires the ability to safely lift up to 15 pounds and follow all applicable laboratory safety, PPE, housekeeping, and documentation requirements.

The estimated base pay range for this position is: $25 - $35 hourly. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location.

Vantage is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national orig