Hands-On R&D Lab Specialist

Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Prescription Drug Coverage

FSA

HSA

Life & Disability Insurance

19 Days Paid Time Off

6% 401K match

Job summary

Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc. in Downers Grove, Illinois, seeks a hands-on R&D Lab Support Technician to maintain an on-site laboratory environment and support scientists with materials handling, equipment readiness, and compliance for daily scientific work.

You will manage raw materials, assist with pilot and bench-scale activities, ensure safety, and coordinate testing logistics. Allergens are present; tasting may occur, requiring careful attention to detail and a strong service mindset.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in laboratory, pilot plant, food, nutraceutical, or chemical environments.
• Strong working knowledge of inventory systems, laboratory equipment, sanitation practices, and safety standards.
• Ability to manage multiple operational tasks simultaneously with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Maintain R&D laboratory operations to ensure facilities, equipment, and materials are consistently prepared, organized, and compliant for daily scientific work.
• Manage raw material lifecycle including ordering, rush ordering, inventory accuracy, filling, labeling, storage, and proper disposal to minimize waste, delays, and compliance risk.
• Support pilot and bench-scale activities through equipment setup and teardown, sanitation, test batch execution and tracking, stability testing, and assistance with weigh-outs and sample preparation.
• Own equipment readiness including preventive maintenance coordination, calibration, basic troubleshooting, repair coordination, and documentation to ensure reliability and audit readiness.
• Execute and coordinate laboratory safety and compliance activities including hazardous waste disposal, safety shower audits, lab audits, purge and cleanup coordination, dust hazard mitigation, pest control sign-off, and lab coat programs.
• Serve as the primary R&D point of contact for shipping and receiving, third-party testing logistics, internal deliveries, and package handling to improve efficiency and reduce cost.

Skills

Lab operations

Inventory management

Sanitation and safety

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree or Technical Certification

Job description

Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc. in Downers Grove, Illinois, seeks a hands-on R&D Lab Support Technician to maintain an on-site laboratory environment and support scientists with materials handling, equipment readiness, and compliance for daily scientific work.

You will manage raw materials, assist with pilot and bench-scale activities, ensure safety, and coordinate testing logistics. Allergens are present; tasting may occur, requiring careful attention to detail and a strong service mindset.