R&D Lab Technician @ Actalent

Job Title: R&D Lab TechnicianJob DescriptionThe R&D Lab Technician plays a key role in supporting laboratory operations within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment for powdered dietary supplements. This position focuses on laboratory cleaning and upkeep across development, pilot, and storage areas, as well as assembling, disassembling, and cleaning equipment. The technician prepares samples for internal and third-party testing, performs equipment calibration, manages inventory and storage of raw materials and finished products, and provides hands-on support for pilot production and scale-up activities. This is an opportunity to contribute to innovation-driven R&D work in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment. Responsibilities • Maintain a clean, organized, and well-kept laboratory, including development, pilot, and storage areas, and perform day-to-day maintenance to ensure compliance with GMP guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). • Accurately document all laboratory activities in notebooks or approved forms, following associated test methods and SOPs to maintain complete, legible, and traceable records. • Manage ingredients and laboratory supply inventory, including requesting raw materials, ordering supplies, and maintaining accurate inventory of raw materials and samples. • Organize and maintain storage for reagents, raw materials, samples, finished products, packaging components, and retain samples to ensure proper labeling, accessibility, and traceability. • Perform routine setup, verification, calibration, operation, disassembly, cleaning, and sanitization of laboratory equipment and glassware to support reliable testing and production activities. • Coordinate samples for internal and external analysis, including preparing and packaging shipments for third-party testing in accordance with established procedures. • Coordinate outside service for equipment maintenance as needed, ensuring that laboratory instruments remain in good working order. • Support pilot production and scale-up activities by observing processes, collecting samples, performing sample testing, recording data, and completing other tasks as required. • Assist with miscellaneous laboratory activities such as sample shipment, physical, chemical, or organoleptic testing (including taste, appearance, and odor), data collection, and batch manufacture. • Properly dispose of chemicals according to established procedures, completing all necessary documentation and forms as applicable. • Identify and suggest innovative and time-saving ideas to improve laboratory functionality, efficiency, and time management. • Collaborate effectively with the R&D team and broader R&D leadership, providing support on projects and cross-functional initiatives as needed. • Perform other related duties as assigned to support laboratory operations and R&D objectives. Essential Skills • High school diploma or equivalent is required. • Post-secondary education in a science-related field (such as chemistry, biology, or a related discipline) is preferred. • Experience working independently and as part of a team in a manufacturing environment. • Preferred experience in a laboratory or environmental testing setting, though not required. • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in both laboratory work and documentation. • Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision. • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot issues in a laboratory setting. • Ability to maintain accurate, legible, and complete documentation in accordance with test methods and SOPs. • Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite. • Ability to lift, push, and pull 25–50 pounds as part of routine laboratory and inventory tasks. • Comfort working in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment with established quality and safety standards. Additional Skills & Qualifications • Background or coursework in laboratory science, chemistry, biology, or related scientific disciplines. • Experience with data collection and basic data analysis in an R&D or testing environment. • Familiarity with organoleptic testing, including evaluating taste, appearance, and odor of products. • Understanding of GMP guidelines and SOPs in a manufacturing or laboratory context. • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining organization and prioritizing effectively. • Strong communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams in R&D and operations. • Interest in continuous improvement and innovation, with a willingness to contribute ideas that enhance laboratory efficiency. • Comfort working in a contract manufacturing environment producing powdered dietary supplements for various brands. • Willingness to learn new systems, processes, and technologies as the organization continues to invest in modernized manufacturing and R&D capabilities. Work EnvironmentThis full-time position 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 role is based at a GMP-regulated manufacturing site with approximately 200 employees, most of whom support production and operations. The facility specializes in powdered dietary supplements, so the manufacturing floor and adjacent areas often have noticeable fruity or sweet odors. The R&D Lab Technician works closely with the R&D team and broader R&D leadership in a collaborative, cross-functional environment that emphasizes innovation and continuous improvement. The company has invested significantly in its manufacturing and R&D capabilities, including a newly constructed warehouse for expanded raw material and finished goods storage and ongoing efforts toward SQF certification. Employees benefit from exposure to high-impact R&D work, modernized systems, and a supportive culture focused on quality and operational excellence. The role includes standard holiday pay with nine recognized holidays and accrual of paid time off, contributing to a balanced and sustainable work experience. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN. Pay and BenefitsThe 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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 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.

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