Analytical Lab Support (food/CPG)

Aequor; Golden Valley (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food science company in Minnesota is seeking a motivated ITQ Technologist to support analytical lab initiatives across various pet food categories. You will perform critical analytical testing, maintain laboratory instruments, and develop SOPs. The ideal candidate possesses an associate degree in a scientific field or a bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Food Science, with industry experience. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to innovation and collaborate with cross-functional teams on exciting projects.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of industry experience in a relevant scientific field.
• Hands-on analytical or food lab testing experience.
• Ability to interpret analytical data manually and operate lab equipment.
• Basic proficiency in MS Office or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing including sample preparation.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments.
• Assist in implementing new analytical technologies.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for lab equipment.

Skills

Analytical testing

Laboratory safety standards

Effective communication

Teamwork skills

Education

Associate degree in scientific field

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Food Science

Tools

Gas chromatography

Job description

Job Title: ITQ Technologist – Analytical Lab Support

Department: Research & Development (R&D) – ITQ Pet Team

Duration: 5+ Months Contract

Position Overview

The ITQ Pet R&D team is seeking a motivated ITQ Technologist to support innovation, renovation, and HMM initiatives across dry, wet, treat, and fresh pet food categories. This role provides critical analytical laboratory support, helping advance palatability research and ingredient technology through testing, instrumentation, and technical collaboration with scientists and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing including sample preparation and instrumental analysis.
• Interpret and summarize results; communicate insights to scientists and project teams.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments.
• Assist in evaluating and implementing new analytical technologies.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for lab equipment and procedures.
• Champion laboratory safety standards and compliance.
• Manage assigned tasks or projects independently while collaborating across teams.
• Communicate timelines, risks, and deliverables clearly to stakeholders.
• Build internal and external partnerships to support technical execution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in scientific field with 2–3 years industry experience OR Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field.
• Hands‑on analytical or food lab testing experience (pipetting, weighing, grinding, etc.).
• Ability to calculate and interpret analytical data manually.
• Comfortable operating lab equipment in a technical environment.
• Basic computer proficiency (MS Office or equivalent).
• Understanding of food and lab safety practices.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles.
• Experience with instruments such as gas chromatography.
• Interest in equipment modification and method optimization.
• Strong problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
• Results‑driven mindset with strong quality focus.
• Ability to build relationships across functions and levels.