Lab Technician

About the role

Support Product Developers and Process Engineers with new product development activities
Create product prototypes through benchtop formulation and pilot-scale equipment operation
Operate laboratory and pilot-scale processing equipment to produce and evaluate samples
Conduct laboratory audits and maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment
Prepare samples for internal reviews, demonstrations, and product evaluations
Support production trials by traveling to manufacturing facilities throughout the Chicagoland area
Collect observations, document results, and communicate findings to project teams
Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and inventory
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and commercialization efforts
Assist with recurring laboratory activities while adapting to changing project priorities

Responsibilities

• Create product prototypes through benchtop formulation and pilot-scale equipment operation
• Operate laboratory and pilot-scale processing equipment to produce and evaluate samples
• Conduct laboratory audits and maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment
• Prepare samples for internal reviews, demonstrations, and product evaluations
• Support production trials by traveling to manufacturing facilities throughout the Chicagoland area
• Collect observations, document results, and communicate findings to project teams
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and inventory
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and commercialization efforts
• Assist with recurring laboratory activities while adapting to changing project priorities

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related scientific field
• Recent graduate or within approximately three years of graduation preferred
• Internship or hands-on experience within food manufacturing, CPG, ingredient manufacturing, quality, or analytical laboratory environments
• Exposure to benchtop formulation, prototyping, pilot plant, or manufacturing operations
• Strong understanding of food science principles
• Creative mindset with an interest in product development and innovation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Personal interest in cooking, baking, or food creation is a plus
• Team-oriented with strong curiosity and willingness to learn

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related scientific field
• Recent graduate or within approximately three years of graduation preferred
• Internship or hands-on experience within food manufacturing, CPG, ingredient manufacturing, quality, or analytical laboratory environments
• Exposure to benchtop formulation, prototyping, pilot plant, or manufacturing operations
• Strong understanding of food science principles
• Creative mindset with an interest in product development and innovation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Personal interest in cooking, baking, or food creation is a plus
• Team-oriented with strong curiosity and willingness to learn

Skills

• Technical proficiency in food science principles
• Hands-on experience with laboratory and pilot-scale equipment
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Interest in product development and innovation

Benefits

Opportunity to work on innovative new product development projects
Hands-on experience with benchtop formulation and pilot-scale equipment
Exposure to both laboratory development and manufacturing operations
Collaborative environment working alongside Product Developers and Process Engineers
Opportunity to present ideas and interact with technical leadership
Strong career growth opportunity for an early-career food science professional

Pay

$25 – $30 an hour

Schedule

Onsite (5 Days/Week)

Employment Type

Full-Time

Key Details

Compensation: $25 – $30 an hour
Benefits: LaSalle Network consultants are eligible to enroll in benefits. For details, visit: https://www.thelasallenetwork.com/consultants/
Location: Chicago, IL

Company Information

LaSalle Network is the leading provider of direct hire and temporary staffing services. For over two decades, LaSalle has helped organizations hire faster and connect top talent with opportunities, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Revenue Cycle, Call Center, Human Resources and Executive Search, LaSalle offers staffing and recruiting solutions to companies of all sizes and across all industries.

Contact

Thank you,
Nick Roche
#LI-NR1
LNESC