ABOUT THE ROLE
The R&D Lab Technician supports the Research and Development team in the hands-on formulation, sample creation, and sensory evaluation of nutraceutical products for Adept Life Sciences. This role works directly in the lab to pull and prepare formulas, create pilot samples, conduct organoleptic testing, and refine products based on internal feedback and customer input. The R&D Lab Technician plays a key role in moving formulas from concept to customer-ready samples, working closely with Purchasing, Sales, Quality Assurance, and Production to ensure new products meet specifications, regulatory requirements, and company quality standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
Formula Preparation & Sample Creation
- Pull approved and preliminary formulas from formulation software and prepare pilot paperwork for sample creation.
- Gather raw materials, verify lot numbers, and stage ingredients for sample creation.
- Accurately weigh, measure, and blend ingredients according to formulation and process instructions.
- Operate lab-scale equipment to produce samples including liquids, powders, and tablets.
- Package, label, and organize finished samples for internal review and customer shipment.
- Maintain a clean, organized lab environment and ensure proper storage of materials.
Sensory Evaluation & Formula Refinement
- Conduct organoleptic evaluations (taste, aroma, texture, color, appearance) to assess product quality.
- Perform flavor adjustments and refine formulas to improve overall sensory experience.
- Modify formulas based on internal testing, stability considerations, or customer feedback.
- Conduct deeper sensory evaluations and benchmarking against target products or customer expectations.
- Track and help implement improvements based on customer feedback trends.
Documentation & Compliance
- Document all work clearly and update formulas, revisions, and notes in formulation software
- Create and update Supplement Facts Panels (SFPs) in compliance with FDA formatting guidelines.
- Generate and/or approve Finished Product Specifications for all first-time products and follow proper change control procedures to implement adjustments to formulations and packaging components as needed.
- Initiate deviations and change controls as necessary to update specifications and ensure conformance of ERP formulations to established specifications and customer requirements.
- Create blending instructions and batch records for manufacturability and scalability.
- Support Draft raw material specifications based on finished good requirements to confirm compliance and suitability.
- Review and update SFPs and labeling components as formulas evolve.
- Assist in label reviews to maintain compliance with label claims (regulatory requirements) and notify Quality and/or relevant stakeholders of label conformance concerns prior to production.
Project Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Review ongoing projects and help prioritize development work in coordination with the R&D team.
- Support sample shipments and track feedback from internal stakeholders and customers.
- Assist in troubleshooting formulation or processing challenges as they arise.
- Assist in scale-up considerations and manufacturing handoff once formulas are finalized.
- Participate in product development meetings and project reviews.
- Coordinate with Purchasing on sourcing raw materials, identifying alternatives, and confirming availability and lead times.
- Support Sales with customer requests, RFQs, and product customization needs as directed.
- Work with Quality Assurance to ensure compliance with specifications and alignment with regulatory standards.
- Assist Production/Manufacturing as needed with scale-up and transferring formulas to production.
- Support the organization as needed with raw material, component, and finished product investigations.
- Participate in process improvement initiations to improve efficiency and ability to serve customers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EQUIPMENT, SYSTEMS & TOOLS
- Precision weight scales (analytical and bench scales).
- pH meter for product stability and adjustment.
- Brix meter for sugar/solids concentration in liquid formulations.
- Table-top tablet press for small-scale tablet production.
- General lab equipment including mixers, blenders, and hot plates.
- Formulation software for formula management, costing, and version control.
- Microsoft Excel for data tracking, formulation adjustments, and costing.
- Microsoft Word for documentation, SOPs, and batch records.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Sample Development
- Pilot samples prepared accurately and on schedule with thorough, real-time documentation.
- Formulas refined efficiently based on sensory evaluation results and feedback.
- Finished samples packaged, labeled, and shipped correctly and on time.
- Operate at a high level to turn around samples with 3-5 flavor options within 3 days of a request.
Quality & Documentation
- Zero documentation errors or missing records in formulation software, batch records, or SFPs.
- Raw material specifications and CoAs reviewed thoroughly prior to use in formulation.
- Labeling and SFP updates kept current and compliant with FDA formatting guidelines.
Team Collaboration
- Proactive communication with Purchasing, Sales, QA, and Production to support seamless project handoffs.
- Ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously without compromising quality or accuracy.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
EDUCATION
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field preferred (or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience).
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Prior experience in a nutraceutical, food, pharmaceutical, or laboratory environment preferred.
- Familiarity with dietary supplement dosage forms including liquids, powders, and tablets.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow complex formulas and processing instructions accurately.
- Comfortable conducting organoleptic (sensory) evaluations and making informed flavor or formulation adjustments.
- Working knowledge of lab equipment such as precision scales, pH meters, and Brix meters.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word; experience with formula management software is a plus.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently as well as within a team environment.
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods in a lab/manufacturing setting.
- Maintain a regular and dependable attendance record with the ability to commit to at least 40 hours weekly during normal business hours of 8:00am – 5:00pm MST.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE (NOT REQUIRED)
- Experience operating tablet presses or other small-scale production equipment.
- Familiarity with FDA dietary supplement regulations and Supplement Facts Panel formatting requirements.
- Experience reviewing raw material technical data sheets and certificates of analysis (CoAs).
- Experience supporting RFQs, cost estimates, or customer-facing formulation discussions.
Pay: From $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What is your pay expectation for this position?
Work Location: In person
