Cocoa Science Lab Research Associate

Duration: 06 months contractMain Duties:

• The Research Cocoa Science Contractor position will provide assistance to multiple scientists on high complexity projects and lead small projects with guidance and support.
• The individual will operate analytical equipment, run experiments supporting scientists’ work, prepare recipes in lab and assist in pilot plant testing under the supervision of R&D scientists.
• The individual will help clean and maintain cocoa science lab and pilot plant equipment and space at the highest quality, food safety and sanitation standards.
• The individual must have good organization skills, experience working in a team, be competent with data collection and entry, basic calculations, and operation of lab and pilot equipment.
• The individual will report to the Sr. Scientist, Cocoa Science.

Specific Role Focus Area:

• Benchtop development that draws upon experiences in food processing and preparation
• Lab tests planning, set-up, running tests and clean-up: record operations observations, sampling, and analysis
• Pilot plant testing - equipment assembly, preparations and clean-up
• Support scale-up testing initiatives such as trials, sample production, sample collection and submitting for analysis
• Identify project support needs and partner with project leaders on planning and execution
• Data entry, basic calculations and analysis, and leverage computer applications

This role will interact and partner with:

• Scientists
• Engineers
• Pilot plant operations

Typical Day:

• 35% Operating lab, pilot plant and analytical equipment, characterizing food. Preparing snacks and/or confectionery for processing and operating pilot plant / lab equipment
• 35% Recording data, interpretation of data & completion of documentation
• 20% Maintaining & cleaning lab equipment and workspaces
• 10% Maintaining inventory and ordering of equipment and supplies

Top Three Technical Skills:

• Ability to operate analytical equipment and run experiments
• Ability to record & interpret data
• Technical report writing

Must Haves (i.e., years of experience?)

• High Attention to Detail
• Strong listening skills
• Experience operating lab, pilot plant and analytical equipment and demonstrated proficiency
• Knowledge of Word, Excel and some basic PowerPoint
• Technical Report Writing
• Research Experience

Software Skills and Purpose (if applicable):

• Experience in Excel, PowerPoint and Word, Basic statistical comparison

Industry Experience:

• Experience in operating equipment & instrumentation included but not limited to cocoa and chocolate processing and basic food characterization instrumentation

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Ability to read, understand, and follow formulation sheets and procedures
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle allergens including dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs and other food ingredient chemicals and allergens while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Experience in Excel, PowerPoint and Word, Basic statistical comparison
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Ability to effectively plan and execute multiple priorities while being flexible and adaptive to change
• General knowledge of food GMP and FSMA*  

About US Tech Solutions:US Tech Solutions is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. To know more about US Tech Solutions, please visit www.ustechsolutions.com.US Tech Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran