R&D Technician

Research and Development Technician- Westmont, Illinois

Position Overview

The Research and Development Technician supports the innovation team by monitoring laboratory operations and providing bench and administrative support. This role prepares prototypes, conducts analytical testing, maintains laboratory equipment and records, and keeps the R&D and pilot laboratory spaces clean and sanitary.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow detailed instructions from R&D developers to prepare assigned prototypes.

• Observe raw material interactions and document relevant observations.

• Conduct analytical testing of prototypes, competitor products, and samples using laboratory equipment. Collect data for analysis and shelf-life studies, as required.

• Set up, adjust, operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, including microscopes, refractometers, titrators, pH meters, and viscometers.

• Support innovation, cost-reduction, ingredient-substitution, and other research initiatives. Follow applicable laboratory procedures, food-safety practices, and company requirements.

• Assist Food Technologists with plant trials, new production runs, and product trial revisions. Maintain plant/laboratory spaces in a clean and sanitary condition.

Qualifications

• AS in Food Science or a related discipline required; bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Prior food-processing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required. GMP and HACCP training preferred.

• Ability to follow detailed instructions and document observations and test results accurately. Strong organization, attention to detail, and laboratory equipment handling skills.

Work Environment

Work is performed in laboratory and pilot-lab settings, with support for plant trials and production runs as needed.

#P1

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly ® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment\_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.