Sr. Lab Technologist

Glanbia•Linden, NJ

13d•$29 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Lab Technologist is an advanced technical role responsible for leading and supporting product development, pilot-scale processing, and analytical evaluation of botanical extracts and related products. This position combines hands-on operation of laboratory and pilot equipment with the execution of sensory and analytical testing. As a key technical resource within the R&D team, the Senior Lab Technologist leads and executes bench-scale experiments, troubleshoot processes, and supports scale-up to ensure products meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Production, Quality, and Engineering, to optimize processes and enable successful commercialization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
4+ years of laboratory or pilot plant experience, preferably in flavors, botanicals, or extraction-based processes.
Strong hands-on expertise in extraction, distillation, and solvent-based processing.
Proficiency in analytical testing methods and data interpretation, including operation and data analysis of GC-FID and HPLC systems.
Experience with sensory evaluation methods.
Solid understanding of GMP, HACCP, and laboratory quality systems.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical issues and improve processes.
Strong organizational, communication, and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

Independently operate, optimize, and troubleshoot laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, including percolators, distillation systems, vacuum systems, rotary evaporators.
Execute complex extractions, distillations, and formulations using natural botanicals; adjust process parameters to improve yield, quality, and consistency.
Lead the preparation and timely fulfillment of sample requests, ensuring accuracy and efficiency; maintain familiarity with the sample library to recommend products aligned with customer needs.
Conduct analytical and physical testing (e.g., ABV, specific gravity, refractive index, pH, and other physical properties) to support both new product development and quality control of existing products; analyze data and communicate findings effectively.
Plan and lead sensory evaluations, including triangle and preference testing; interpret results to guide formulation and process decisions.
Support product development by running experiments, organizing data, and providing technical input on formulations and processes.
Take a lead role in troubleshooting equipment and process issues; identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
Assist in pilot trials and scale-up activities, ensuring processes are transferable to production.
Maintain strict adherence to GMP, HACCP, and SOPs; identify opportunities for process and documentation improvements.
Collaborate closely with Regulatory, Quality, and Operations teams to support the successful scale-up and commercialization of new products.
Train and mentor Lab Technologist I and II team members; provide guidance on lab techniques, equipment use, and best practices.
Support documentation efforts, including batch records, SOP updates, and technical reports.