Position Summary
The Junior R&D Assistant supports the Director of Product Development across the full product development cycle, from early bench work and formulation trials through pilot runs and documentation. This is a hands-on, detail-driven role for someone early in their career who wants to grow inside a small, fast-moving manufacturing company. The right person is organized, careful with records, comfortable in a lab and production environment, and reliable about following protocol.
Key Responsibilities
Bench and sample work
- Prep, measure, and weigh inputs for formulation trials under the Director's direction
- Assist with small batch pilot runs and product iterations
- Help set up, run, and break down bench experiments
Documentation and recordkeeping
- Maintain accurate R&D logs and batch records
- Record measurements, observations, and trial outcomes
- Organize formulation history, version notes, and approval details
- Track Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and lab test results
Testing support
- Assist with stability testing and quality observations
- Log outcomes and flag anything out of spec to the Director
Vendor and sourcing coordination
- Request and track ingredient and packaging samples
- Coordinate incoming R&D materials and maintain inventory
- Handle routine communication with suppliers and outside labs
Lab and workspace upkeep
- Keep equipment clean and maintain calibration and cleaning logs
- Keep the R&D space organized and audit ready
- Follow all documentation and recordkeeping protocols accurately
General project support
- Help prioritize the Director's task list and prep for meetings
- Take on day to day tasks so the Director can focus on higher value work
Qualifications
Required
- High attention to detail and strong recordkeeping habits
- Comfort working in a lab or manufacturing environment
- Ability to follow written protocols precisely and consistently
- Basic computer skills (spreadsheets, data entry, email)
- Dependable, punctual, and able to take direction
Preferred
- Associate or bachelor's degree in a science, food science, chemistry, or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience
- Prior lab, manufacturing, or product development experience
- Familiarity with regulated production environments and compliance documentation
Physical and Work Environment
- On site role in a manufacturing and lab setting
- May involve standing for extended periods, lifting materials, and working with equipment and ingredients
- Occasional overtime during product launches, pilot runs, and testing windows
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
