Laboratory Technician

About the role

This role supports Flavor Chemists in the development and commercialization of flavor systems for a wide range of food and beverage applications. The Lab Technician contributes to flavor creation projects, assists with day-to-day laboratory operations, and independently manages assigned flavor projects by selecting, evaluating, and modifying existing flavor formulations. This position offers hands-on exposure to flavor chemistry, broad involvement across departments, and strong opportunities for professional growth in the flavor industry.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and compound commercial flavors, concentrates, and key formulations for laboratory development, customer samples, food and beverage applications, and production support.
• Maintain inventory of flavor raw materials, solvents, aroma chemicals, finished products, and laboratory supplies, ensuring all materials remain properly stocked, labeled, and organized.
• Manage and maintain project documentation, formulation records, flavor databases, and vendor information to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
• Select and recommend appropriate flavor profiles for specific food and beverage applications based on project requirements and sensory performance.
• Gather, organize, and maintain regulatory and compliance information related to flavor ingredients and raw materials.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as Sales, Quality, Procurement, and Applications to support business objectives and project timelines.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with raw material suppliers and external partners to support flavor development and procurement needs.
• Cook up and ship flavor samples in response to customer requests and internal evaluation needs.
• Conduct analytical and sensory testing of finished flavors, including evaluations such as specific gravity, refractive index, pH, and organoleptic assessments.
• Partner closely with Flavor Chemists to evaluate, refine, and optimize flavor formulations based on analytical results and sensory feedback.
• Develop a strong understanding of flavor raw materials, including their attributes, functionality, and applications in different product matrices.
• Review formulations to verify compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Conduct ingredient and market research to stay informed about emerging technologies, trends, and new ingredient offerings relevant to flavor development.
• Coordinate sensory evaluations and organoleptic assessments of new and existing raw materials.
• Facilitate informal sensory panels and assist with the collection, documentation, and interpretation of sensory feedback.
• Support Applications Technologists in preparing product prototypes and conducting application trials for customer and internal projects.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, cleaned, and operated according to established procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment, including routine cleaning of workspaces, equipment, and glassware.
• Perform additional laboratory and flavor development duties as assigned to support overall project and business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or equivalent work experience.
• Approximately 2 years of laboratory compounding experience, preferably in food, beverage, or flavor applications.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory operations, including compounding, weighing, measuring, and handling chemicals and flavor ingredients.
• Knowledge of basic flavor raw materials and relevant regulations governing their use.
• Strong sensory skills, including the ability to accurately evaluate smell and taste in a variety of flavor systems.
• Experience with chemical handling and basic chemical processing in a laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with documentation processes and data entry to maintain accurate records and databases.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret test results and sensory data.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to keep multiple projects, samples, and records well structured and accessible.
• Effective problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot formulation, processing, or sensory issues.
• Strong computer skills, including the use of common office software and laboratory-related systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to document work and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build productive relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and partners.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Understanding of flavor development processes and formulation techniques is preferred.
• Prior flavor creation or flavor development experience is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements related to flavor ingredients and raw materials.
• Experience conducting sensory evaluations, including organizing panels and capturing structured feedback.
• Comfort working with analytical measurements such as specific gravity, refractive index, and pH.
• Interest in staying current with emerging flavor technologies, ingredient innovations, and market trends.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a small-company environment where individuals may wear multiple hats and contribute across functions.
• Motivation to grow within the flavor industry and take on increasing responsibility over time.