Research & Development Technician Food Science

About Us:On-Board Services, Incorporated is an on-site contract service provider for a local manufacturing entity providing full time positions to our employees. We offer benefits as well as 401k.Position Details: Title: Research & Development Technician – Food SciencePosition Type: 1 year contract with additional opportunity contingent upon performance and continued business needJob Location: Buffalo, NYShift:1^st shift Benefits: 401K, Dental insurance, Life Insurance, Medical Insurance, Vision Insurance, PTO Compensation: $20-$24/HRPosition OverviewThe Research Technician provides hands-on technical laboratory support to the R&D Department in support of product and process development initiatives. This entry-level role performs routine laboratory and pilot plant tasks of moderate complexity with limited supervision, using sound judgment, attention to detail, and critical thinking to complete assignments effectively.The Research Technician periodically collaborates with internal teams, including R&D, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Quality Assurance, and Operations, to support project milestones and deliverables.Key ResponsibilitiesOrganize, prioritize, and complete routine and non-routine R&D assignments in alignment with project and business objectives.

• Manage day-to-day priorities, adapt to changing project needs, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Request, prepare, operate, clean, and store laboratory equipment and supplies needed to complete assignments.
• Operate laboratory equipment according to established procedures and perform basic user-level equipment checks.
• Write and update basic procedures related to equipment operation and departmental laboratory processes.
• Prepare samples according to approved methodologies to support the validity and reliability of experiments and analyses.
• Prepare prototypes in support of new product development and product or process improvement initiatives.
• Accurately document laboratory activities, testing performed, and results in laboratory notebooks and designated computerized systems.
• Compile data, observations, and summaries for reports, project documentation, and assigned deliverables.
• Support the validation of raw materials, laboratory equipment, and processes.
• Manage assigned portions of larger projects and complete discrete project assignments.
• Retrieve and maintain raw material specifications and technical documentation from suppliers and internal systems.
• Support product cuttings by preparing samples and assisting with session setup.
• Develop cooking instructions based on guidance from Product Developers or Managers.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and organized work environment in compliance with safety, food safety, and quality standards.

Experiments & Analysis

• Support basic laboratory and pilot plant experiments independently and in collaboration with other team members.
• Conduct routine and non-routine laboratory experiments and analyses in support of product and process development or improvement initiatives.
• Accurately evaluate, record, and communicate experimental results to project team members.
• Follow established methods and procedures and make appropriate adjustments during experimentation based on observations and direction.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify issues, troubleshoot failures, and support interpretation of experimental data.
• Take accurate measurements during laboratory and pilot plant experiments.
• Assist with competitive and existing product analyses under the direction of a Manager or Product Developer.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Food Preparation, Food Science, Laboratory Technology, or a related field OR
• At least 1 year of related experience in food-related laboratory testing, research, or hands-on food preparation in a high-volume or production-based food environment, such as a bakery, manufacturing kitchen, or R&D kitchen.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on laboratory environment.
• Ability to extract, record, and document data according to established procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and documentation standards.
• Ability to apply basic critical thinking and problem-solving skills to routine technical challenges.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and move between workstations throughout the day.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach, push, and pull, with occasional climbing of steps and/or ladders.
• Ability to use hand tools and precision instruments requiring fine motor skills.
• Comfortable working around food ingredients, chemicals, cleaning agents, and varying temperatures.
• Regular, reliable, and predictable onsite attendance is required.

On-Board was founded in 1976 by Robert L. Wilson to provide Engineering and Design services to the chemical manufacturing industry. Today, On-Board is a thriving privately held family of companies with services including: Consulting, Professional Engineering, Industrial Maintenance and Facility Management, Contracted Manufacturing and Production Services, as well as Temporary Staffing and Recruiting throughout North America. The On-Board Family of Companies conducts operations through its Corporate Headquarters located in East Windsor, NJ along with Regional Offices in New Castle, DE and Wake Forest, NC.  On-Board’s Mission is to provide “Flexible Service by applying the talents of our people, work processes and technology to meet our clients’ expectations in a Safe, Responsible and Dependable manner.” On-Board Companies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.JD# 25-01311INDOJ