R&D Technician I

**JOB SUMMARY** This position fills a support role by assisting a Food Scientist in completing lab work ranging in scope from conducting experiments to understanding complex technical issues required in requested food product samples used for further evaluation and testing. **ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES** 1. Assemble food products in a laboratory setting utilizing strict scientific methodology and company development guidelines. 2. Document results from analytical product testing, observations and taste testing into lab notebooks and multiple electronic information archives. 3. Assess new and current food ingredients, including functionality and handling, to determine feasibility for utilization within supply chain. 4. Produce finished product samples, in varied amounts, as required to support various Litehouse business functions, i.e. sales, marketing, and customer service. **EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE** - Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science or Certifications in Food Science or High School diploma with experience. - 0-3 years related experience within a laboratory or Quality Assurance function, desirable. - Basic working knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis on SharePoint, Excel, and Word utilization. **KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS** - Experience effectively using mechanical processes to generate food emulsions and a working knowledge with food emulsion systems and their component attributes including flavor, texture/rheology, and visual components – color and particulate with respect to the mechanisms of emulsification is desired. - Demonstrated understanding of basic mathematics and more advanced mathematical concepts, including computing rates, ratios, and percentages, and constructing, analyzing, and interpreting information graphically. **IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS** - Keen aptitude towards accuracy, managing details, and self-assessment of correctness against technical documentation. - Ability to comprehend and apply scientific knowledge, vocabulary/terminology, and methodologies used in data collections. - Ability to establish and maintain high level of output in a chaotic work environment with effective interdepartmental relationships. **WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS** The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. - Food manufacturing/laboratory environment with loud noises, fluorescent lighting, wet surfaces, and PPE. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.