R&D Lab Technician

Job Title: R&D Lab TechnicianJob Description The R&D Lab Technician supports a fast-growing, innovation-driven research and development team by maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment. This role focuses on laboratory cleaning and upkeep across development, pilot, and storage areas, assembling and disassembling equipment, preparing samples for internal and external testing, and performing routine equipment calibration. The technician manages inventory and storage of raw materials and finished products, coordinates sample shipments, and assists with pilot production and scale-up activities. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to high-impact R&D work within a modern, GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. Responsibilities Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and day-to-day upkeep across development, pilot, and storage areas, ensuring the lab remains safe, orderly, and fully operational.Ensure the laboratory complies with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times.Accurately document all laboratory activities in laboratory notebooks or approved forms, following associated test methods and SOPs to ensure complete and traceable records.Manage ingredients and laboratory supply inventory, including tracking stock levels, organizing materials, and ensuring availability of critical supplies.Support the team by requesting raw materials, ordering laboratory supplies, and maintaining an accurate inventory of raw materials and samples.Organize and maintain storage for reagents, raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, packaging components, and retain samples to ensure proper identification and traceability.Perform routine setup, verification, calibration, operation, disassembly, cleaning, and sanitization of laboratory equipment and glassware to ensure reliable performance and data integrity.Coordinate samples for internal and external analysis, including preparing samples and documentation, packaging, and shipping them for third-party testing.Coordinate outside service providers for equipment maintenance as needed, ensuring equipment remains in proper working condition and downtime is minimized.Support pilot production and scale-up activities by observing runs, collecting samples, performing sample testing, recording data, and completing other tasks as required.Assist with miscellaneous laboratory activities such as preparing and shipping samples, conducting physical, chemical, or organoleptic testing (including assessments of taste, appearance, and odor), collecting and recording data, and supporting batch manufacture.Properly dispose of chemicals according to established procedures, completing necessary forms and documentation as applicable.Identify and suggest innovative and time-saving ideas to improve laboratory functionality, efficiency, and time management.Collaborate with R&D team members and cross-functional partners to support projects and departmental priorities as needed.Perform other duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and R&D initiatives. Essential Skills High school diploma or equivalent.Experience working independently and as part of a team in a manufacturing environment.Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and consistency in laboratory work and documentation.Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot issues in a laboratory or production setting.Ability to maintain accurate, legible, and complete documentation in laboratory notebooks and forms.Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Word, Excel, and Outlook).Ability to lift, push, and pull 25–50 pounds to handle materials, equipment, and supplies.Familiarity with laboratory, chemistry, R&D, and GMP concepts, with the ability to follow GMP guidelines and SOPs. Additional Skills & Qualifications Post-secondary education in a science-related field is preferred.Experience in a laboratory or environmental testing setting is preferred but not required.Experience in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment is beneficial.Comfort working with powdered dietary supplement products and related testing methods.Interest in process improvement, innovation, and identifying opportunities to enhance laboratory efficiency.Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, and operations. Work Environment This position is based in a GMP-regulated manufacturing facility that focuses on powdered dietary supplements, including powders and tablets produced for well-known consumer brands. The role follows a Monday–Friday schedule, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexible start times available between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM as long as core hours are covered. The site employs approximately 200 people, with most staff supporting production and operations, creating a dynamic, cross-functional environment. The R&D Lab Technician works closely with the R&D team and broader R&D leadership, gaining exposure to high-impact projects, modernized systems, and a collaborative culture that emphasizes innovation and continuous improvement. Because the products are powdered dietary supplements, the manufacturing floor has noticeable odors, often described as fruity or sweet. The facility operates under GMP standards, and employees are expected to follow all safety, cleanliness, and procedural requirements. The organization offers a comprehensive holiday program with nine recognized holidays and provides paid time off accrual, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Minneapolis, MN. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.