ENTRY-LEVEL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Hartz Mountain Corp; Secaucus (NJ); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in pet care is seeking a motivated entry-level Laboratory Technician to support scientific research for animal nutrition products. This role offers a hybrid work schedule and a collaborative environment, providing essential experience in lab operations and research processes.

Benefits

401(k) match with immediate vesting

Paid Time Off up to 34 days annually

Company-paid parental leave

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer opportunities and employee events

Qualifications

• Education in Food Science, Food Engineering or Animal Science is essential.
• Experience in related internships or laboratory work is beneficial.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in sample preparation for product development.
• Perform routine testing and document results.
• Coordinate biological feeding tests and analyze competitors’ products.

Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Skills

Formulation Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or Animal Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Entry-Level Laboratory Technician – Animal Nutrition (Hybrid)

About Us:

Join Hartz, where our love for pets drives everything we do. With over 95 years of commitment to pet care excellence, we are a trusted household name across the United States. Innovation is at the heart of our mission as we continuously strive to provide products that nurture the special bond between pets and their owners, ensuring they experience nothing but Unconditional Love.

As leaders in the pet care industry, we are dedicated to pioneering advancements that enhance the well-being of pets, leading to happier, healthier, and longer lives. Our success is fueled by the passion and dedication of our diverse team members, who bring their unique perspectives and talents to every aspect of our work.

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment where individuals from all backgrounds and identities are valued and empowered to thrive. At Hartz, your contributions matter, whether collaborating in the office or embracing the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement. Together, we empower our employees and furry companions to make a meaningful impact within our company and beyond. Join us in shaping the future of pet care and experience the joy of making a difference, one pet at a time.

What We Offer …

• Hybrid Work Schedule: Enjoy flexibility with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Receive a generous 401(k) match with immediate vesting.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy up to 34 paid days off annually, plus additional paid leaves.
• Paid Parental Leave & Insurance: Company-paid parental leave, along with Life & Disability Insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Healthcare FSA, and Mental Health Assistance program (EAP).
• Tuition Reimbursement & Career Growth: Access to tuition reimbursement and other learning and development opportunities.
• Employee Perks: Volunteer opportunities, fun employee events, and more!

The Role …

Are you a highly motivated individual looking to start your career in a collaborative and supportive environment? We seek a motivated entry-level Laboratory Technician to join our team. Success in this role requires clear communication, excellent attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset to support team goals and shared success.

In this role, you will support scientific research and testing for nutrition and wellness projects to develop companion animal products. You will work in a laboratory setting, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, assisting with sample preparation and testing, organizing and tracking samples, and supporting product evaluations. Additionally, you will participate in product research activities and assist with data analysis and reporting, including data entry, and basic documentation.

This foundational role is ideal for individuals beginning their R&D careers, offering the opportunity to learn core lab operations, research processes, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects. This is a full-time non-exempt hourly position that is located at our Secaucus, NJ corporate headquarters, and has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule.

Your Responsibilities …

• Assist scientists in bench top sample preparation for both dog and cat product development.
• Prepare and label lab samples, ensuring proper organization, storage, and shipment for external testing.
• Perform routine bench top testing (e.g. viscosity evaluation).
• Coordinate and maintain routine stability studies.
• Document and record nutritional analysis test results in formulation program.
• Coordinate biological feeding tests and Home Use Tests to ensure product acceptability & palatability with the pet.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies by engaging in literature searches, e-commerce website reviews, and competitor website reviews.
• Review and analyze competitors’ products and recommend improvements to Hartz’s products.
• Develop an understanding of AAFCO regulations in Pet Food.
• Follow safety and quality standards.
• Work effectively as part of a team and participate in team meetings.

Requirements

You’ll Need …

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or Animal Science
• Experience: Related internships, laboratory or work experience in Animal Nutrition, Food Science or a related field is a plus
• Formulation Skills: Experience with formulation development and utilization of formulation programs is a plus
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with strong attention to detail
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative team-oriented approach
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office

This is an hourly position with a pay range of $31.80 to $33.34 per hour, based on a 37.5-hour workweek. This equates to an anticipated annualized range of approximately $62,000 to $65,000. The specific salary offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience for this position. This role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award.

Hartz is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other characteristic protected by law.