Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician - Flavor Laboratory

Job Description

This role focuses on compounding, spray drying, handling reactions, and preparing sample requests within a flavor laboratory. The position is ideal for someone who is highly motivated to learn and advance in the flavor industry, with a strong interest in pursuing a 5-7 year certification process to become a flavor chemist. You will work closely with chemists and the applications team, gaining hands-on experience with both liquid and powder products across a wide range of flavor applications.

Responsibilities

• Compound and mix different ingredients to create batches for various end products, including both liquids and powders.
• Operate a spray dryer safely and effectively with both liquid and powder formulations.
• Handle basic laboratory reactions and processes in support of flavor development projects.
• Prepare, fill, and organize sample requests for internal and external stakeholders.
• Restock and maintain laboratory supplies to ensure the lab remains organized and fully equipped.
• Perform sample preparation and batch preparation activities according to established procedures.
• Collaborate closely with chemists and the applications team to support ongoing projects and learn new processes.
• Apply basic and above-average mathematics skills to measurements, calculations, and formulations.
• Follow laboratory protocols, safety guidelines, and documentation requirements.
• Actively seek opportunities to learn new techniques and processes within the flavor lab to progress toward flavor chemist certification.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6 months of experience in a laboratory setting, which may include academic laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated laboratory skills, including handling equipment, following procedures, and maintaining a clean work area.
• Above-average basic mathematics skills acquired through schooling, with the ability to perform measurements and calculations accurately.
• Ability to mix and compound different ingredients for both liquid and solid (powder) formulations.
• Comfort working with compounding, sample preparation, and batch preparation processes.
• Strong motivation to learn and advance in the flavor industry, with clear interest in becoming a flavor chemist.
• High interest in flavors and flavor applications across different products.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate with technicians and chemists.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• College degree in chemistry or food science is preferred.
• Experience in food science, chemistry, or related disciplines is beneficial.
• Prior experience with compounding ingredients and preparing samples and batches is ideal.
• Interest in gaining exposure to multiple product lines such as coffee, meats, pharmaceuticals, and various beverages.
• Strong initiative and willingness to engage in a 5-7 year flavor chemist certification process.
• Ability to collaborate with an applications team and adapt to new processes and technologies.

Work Environment

The role is based in a social and collaborative flavor department environment, with frequent communication among technicians, chemists, and other team members. The dress code is casual, supporting a comfortable and approachable atmosphere. The standard shift runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Employees receive a full benefits package and a 6% 401(k) match following 90 days of employment. There is potential for a raise upon becoming a permanent employee, as well as a scheduling perk where, once permanent, employees may have either Monday or Friday off every third week by taking a half-hour lunch period. The position offers significant exposure to a wide range of flavor products and applications, providing a strong learning environment for those interested in building a long-term career in the flavor industry.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mahwah, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mahwah,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.