Research Operator

About the role

Abbott is a global healthcare leader with operations in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines, employing 122,000 colleagues across 160+ countries. The Columbus, OH location is seeking a Research Operator in Research & Development (R&D) to support the processing and sterilization of liquid and powdered infant and adult nutritional products.

Responsibilities

• Process and sterilize liquid and powdered infant and adult nutritional products in the Columbus PRC.
• Perform material handling, hand cleaning, clean‑in‑place (CIP), routine housekeeping, and operate equipment used from start to finish (kettles, heat‑treatment systems, fillers, cappers, seamers, retorts, aseptic processing/filling equipment, spray dryer, powder handling equipment, etc.).
• Follow all manufacturing procedures accurately; failure to follow procedures could result in product loss or project impact.
• Ensure personal and coworker safety while operating equipment.
• Comply with applicable regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Meet departmental standards for teamwork and customer service.
• Comply with the Abbott Quality System as it applies to the PRC.
• Demonstrate consistency in retaining and applying learned skills.
• Perform tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for EHS performance through active participation in Abbott’s EHS program.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures, and expectations for each area of responsibility.
• Execute manufacturing steps per approved work order documents.
• Complete tasks associated with cleaning, CIP, and setup of necessary equipment.
• Maintain good housekeeping in work areas.
• Execute environmental monitoring sampling.
• Perform in‑process testing using lab equipment (pH meters, leak tester, can seam vision system, total solids analyzer, etc.).
• Operate all manufacturing and product handling equipment.
• Effectively communicate project execution issues/observations and provide recommendations to Product Development, Engineering, QA, and management.
• Obtain Better Process Control certification.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field preferred.
• Preferred: three years’ experience in a plant production environment (preferably drug, food, or beverage manufacturing).
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula, adult nutrition, and performance nutrition.
• Knowledge of food processing techniques and documentation requirements.
• Ability to read and follow work order documents, troubleshoot equipment breakdowns, and operate powered industrial vehicles.
• Good mechanical aptitude and solid problem‑sol