Lab Intern

Vantage Specialty Chemicals; New Jersey; On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Warren, NJ seeks a motivated R&D Lab Intern to assist scientists with routine laboratory tasks on-site, averaging about 20 hours per week. You will collaborate with the team to ensure accurate sample handling and timely documentation of results.

You will help manage samples, packaging, inventory, and documentation, following SOPs and safety rules while gaining hands-on exposure to cosmetic product formulation support and lab operations.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field (chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology, cosmetic/formulation science, or related).
• Sophomore standing or above preferred.
• Previous laboratory coursework or exposure to personal care/ cosmetic products is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage sample prototypes, organize the Warren sample room, and maintain the sample tracker.
• Manually fill formulations into packaging formats and repack materials for events.
• Label samples accurately and assist with inventory management of materials and supplies.
• Support stability-chamber sample handling, data recording, and basic calibration tasks.
• Lift and move laboratory items up to 15 pounds and follow all SOPs and safety rules.

Skills

Laboratory safety

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in science (pursuing)

Sophomore standing preferred

Job description

Position Summary

An R&D Lab Intern supports R&D scientists with routine laboratory tasks under the supervision of the scientists.

Position Scope

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

This position is designed for college students who can work on site in the Warren, NJ lab at least 2-3 days per week, with a minimum commitment of approximately 20 hours per week. The R&D Lab Intern will support R&D scientists with routine laboratory, sample-management, packaging, inventory, and documentation activities under direct supervision. The role is hands-on and primarily lab-based; responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage incoming and outgoing formulation prototypes, including organizing samples in the Warren sample room, periodically checking inventory, packing and shipping samples for customer requests from Sales, Marketing, and related teams, and maintaining the sample tracker;
• Manually fill formulation prototypes into appropriate packaging, including containers, jars, tubes, bottles, pumps, and similar formats. Products may include moisturizers, creams, foundations, lotions, lip products, makeup, shampoos, conditioners, and related formulations;
• Repack raw materials into designated package formats for trade shows, customer events, meetings, trainings, and other business needs;
• Label samples accurately according to project, customer, formulation, or laboratory requirements;
• Support inventory management for raw materials and laboratory supplies used in R&D activities;
• Assist scientists with stability-chamber sample management, including recording temperature and humidity, placing and removing samples for testing, and documenting assigned data under scientist supervision;
• Move, organize, and store laboratory items as needed; the candidate should be able to safely lift up to 15 pounds;
• Calibrate laboratory equipment according to established SOPs and record calibration activities as required;
• Assist scientists, when appropriate, with laboratory batch-making activities for cosmetic products such as gels, creams, lotions, serums, and related formulations.

The R&D Lab Intern is expected to comply with all applicable laboratory SOPs, safety procedures, site safety requirements, and company policies at all times. This includes following established practices for proper handling, labeling, storage, documentation, housekeeping, personal protective equipment, and safe operation of laboratory equipment. The candidate must complete required training and immediately report any safety concerns, incidents, or deviations to the supervising scientist or appropriate site contact.

Note: The duties listed above are not all inclusive and may be subject to periodic updating or revision.

Education & Experience

Desired Background

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, preferably chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology, cosmetic science, formulation science, or a related discipline. Sophomore standing or above is preferred.
• Previous laboratory experience, coursework involving laboratory techniques, or exposure to personal care, cosmetic, chemical, or consumer products is preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Talents

• Basic understanding of working in an R&D laboratory environment, with the ability to follow laboratory SOPs, lab safety practices, office safety requirements, and site policies;
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced lab setting;
• Curious, open-minded, and quick to learn, with good communication skills and a willingness to ask questions when clarification is needed;
• Comfortable using Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and other standard office software for communication, documentation, and tracking activities;
• Availability to work a minimum of approximately 20 hours per week, or about 2.5 days per week, with some flexibility depending on business needs and the candidate’s schedule.

Working Conditions

This role is an on-site, hands-on laboratory position based in the Warren, NJ lab. The role requires regular work in an R&D laboratory environment and may involve handling samples, packaging materials, raw materials, laboratory supplies, and standard laboratory equipment. The position requires the ability to safely lift up to 15 pounds and follow all applicable laboratory safety, PPE, housekeeping, and documentation requirements.

Pay

The estimated base pay range for this position is: $25 - $35 hourly. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vantage is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category.

About Vantage

Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers' technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.

We are a dynamic people-centered organization where you'll be part of a collaborative global team. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We're convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results, and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement. Most importantly, we know you're going to like it here. For more information visit: vantaggp.com or LinkedIn/vantage.