Product Development Lab Specialist

About the role

The PD Lab Specialist plays a crucial role in maintaining the lab environment and executing projects for both internal and external customers. This position requires a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, or a related field, along with a commitment to developing and refining PD lab methods and practices.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized lab environment in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
• Show initiative in leading and maintaining assigned administrative tasks.
• Create and own the process for creating and completing sample requests.
• Develop familiarity with lab instrumentation and properly test and maintain lab inventory.
• Communicate with suppliers and support departments for material requests.
• Support developers and other lab personnel in various development projects and all lab functions.
• Communicate professionally with and support all customers both internally and externally.
• Understand and support shelf-life practices including ring studies, light stability testing, and sensory evaluations.
• Develop understanding of raw material qualification processes.
• Operate SIMS sensory testing software for site taste tests.
• Build sensory experience relevant to job advancement.

Requirements

• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, develop, and perfect PD lab methods and practices.
• Take ownership of projects and ask questions to collect necessary information.
• Exercise independence and exhibit critical thinking skills.
• Have an aptitude for mathematical calculations.
• Communicate professionally with honest and constructive feedback.
• Confidently share ideas and solutions.
• Be consistent in information awareness by thoroughly reading emails and regularly referencing SharePoint and Weekly Action Plans.
• Embody the 5 Refresco values by demonstrating responsibility, entrepreneurship, agility, excellence, and passion.
• Foster teamwork, especially through providing assistance to fellow lab personnel.
• Notice, interpret, and anticipate others' concerns and feelings.
• Demonstrate focus on desired results and drive to meet goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related discipline, or equivalent experience in a beverage or food lab.

Skills

• Willingness to learn and develop PD lab methods and practices.
• Initiative in leading and maintaining administrative tasks.
• Proficiency in using lab instrumentation and maintaining lab inventory.
• Communication skills, both professional and with colleagues.
• Ability to understand and support shelf-life practices and raw material qualification processes.
• Knowledge of relevant ERP software (SAP) and product development testing methods.
• Ability to operate and use sensory testing software.
• Focus on desired results and drive to meet goals.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term disability and long-term disability
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days

Pay

Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Based in Columbus, GA development lab with rare travel requirements to customers, suppliers, or Refresco plants.