Lab Technician

What You'll Do

As a Lab Technician, you'll play a key role in supporting flavor development and pilot production projects by preparing samples, operating specialized equipment, and ensuring quality and accuracy throughout the process.

Key Responsibilities

• Compound and prepare flavor samples for customers, R&D scientists, Quality Control, Regulatory, and internal stakeholders

• Interpret flavor formulas and develop procedures to create required samples accurately and efficiently

• Operate, clean, sanitize, and maintain pilot equipment including:

• Spray dryers

• Homogenizers

• Extraction equipment

• Partner with Flavorists on flavor development, matching projects, and formula adjustments

• Produce pilot batches for customer evaluations and project trials

• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, batch sheets, and sample records

• Generate charts, graphs, and reports to support project tracking

• Manage laboratory inventory, raw materials, and consumable supplies

• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment and glassware

• Support special projects directed by R&D leadership

• Follow all food safety, quality, and laboratory safety procedures

• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment

What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field strongly preferred

• Minimum 1 year of laboratory experience in the food, beverage, flavor, ingredient, pharmaceutical, or related industry

• Strong organizational and documentation skills

• Ability to accurately work with small quantities of materials

• Effective time management and ability to prioritize multiple projects

• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively

Preferred Skills

• Food Science

• Sensory Evaluation

• Food Safety & Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

• Laboratory Documentation

• Food Chemistry

• Pilot Plant Operations

• Experience with spray dryers, homogenizers, or similar processing equipment

The Ideal Candidate

You are:

Organized and detail-oriented

Curious and eager to learn

Creative and solution-focused

Collaborative and team-oriented

Comfortable working in a fast-paced laboratory environment

Passionate about food, flavor, and product innovation

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Northfield, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.00/hr.

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 Northfield,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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 [email protected] 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.