Sample Processing Specialist

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America•Itasca, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sample Processing Specialist is responsible for supporting Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America's sample room operations and laboratory activities at the Itasca Innovation Center. This role manages sample fulfillment activities, including sample preparation, repacking, inventory stocking, shipment execution, Salesforce transaction processing, and sample room organization. The position partners closely with R&D, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to ensure accurate and timely sample fulfillment while maintaining inventory accuracy, product traceability, and sample room efficiency.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
0–2 years of experience in a laboratory, food manufacturing, warehouse, inventory, fulfillment, or related environment.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety requirements, and documentation practices.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to accurately manage inventory, labeling, documentation, and recordkeeping.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and inventory management systems.
Ability to learn and utilize Salesforce for sample fulfillment, inventory management, and replenishment workflows.
Strong teamwork and communication skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain accuracy while performing repetitive tasks.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Supply Chain, or related field preferred, but not required.
Experience with inventory management systems, Salesforce, shipping systems, or laboratory operations is a plus.
Knowledge of basic food laboratory practices, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), and safety procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

Fulfill customer and internal sample requests by picking, packing, labeling, and preparing shipments in accordance with established procedures.
Process and update sample fulfillment records, shipment information, and inventory transactions within Salesforce.
Receive, stock, organize, and maintain finished goods, repacked samples, and related materials within the sample room.
Perform sample repacking activities, including weighing, packaging, labeling, and stocking replenished inventory.
Maintain accurate lot traceability and inventory records for all sample room activities.
Conduct routine inventory counts and reconciliations to ensure inventory accuracy.
Remove expired, damaged, or obsolete samples from inventory and dispose of materials in accordance with company procedures.
Maintain sample room cleanliness, organization, and operational efficiency.
Print and prepare labels, shipping documents, and sample-related paperwork as required.
Clean, sanitize, and maintain laboratory equipment, workspaces, and shared R&D areas.
Support routine equipment maintenance, calibration activities, and laboratory housekeeping tasks.
Identify sample room supply needs and communicate requirements to Supply Chain for replenishment.
Follow all laboratory safety, GMP, food safety, and company operating procedures.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to sample fulfillment, inventory management, and laboratory operations.
Other duties as assigned.