Lab Technician (Food Science)

Plexus Worldwide; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

401(k) with company match

Health coaching

Job summary

Plexus Worldwide, headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, seeks an R&D lab professional to support new product formulation through bench-scale experiments, documentation, and testing coordination.

You will run sensory evaluations, manage lab materials, and collaborate with teams to drive innovation, renovation, and cost savings while ensuring data integrity and NDAs are properly handled.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent related years of experience.
• 1 year working in a dietary supplement or food science department.
• Able to conduct sensory evaluations requiring the ability to taste, smell and visually discern most food products and ingredients.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude with a high attention to detail and organization.

Responsibilities

• Conducts bench-top experiments, manages lab notebooks, maintains standard/control storage, develops specifications, and collects documentation.
• Develops sensory evaluations for ingredients and finished products; batches, packages, labels samples for UAT/IHUT; coordinates taste testing events.
• Tracks and maintains product stability data with accurate documentation of parameters and pass/fail outcomes.
• Maintains inventory of raw materials and finished goods within the R&D lab and tracks usage and replenishment needs.
• Maintains laboratory cleanliness, organization, and compliance to support safe operations.
• Manages NDAs with raw material suppliers, contract manufacturers, and contracted research organizations.
• Assists with product presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and execute formulation initiatives including innovation and cost savings.
• Ability to work off-hours with occasional evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent related years of experience

1 year working in a dietary supplement or food science department

Sensory evaluation capability (taste, smell, visual discernment)

Detail-oriented and organized

Tools

Lab notebooks

NDAs management

Job description

The Role

Supports new product formulation and development by conducting bench-scale experiments, preparing and documenting product samples, managing R&D lab materials, and coordinating product testing activities to ensure timely and accurate evaluation of new and modified products.

Performance Accountabilities

• Conducts bench-top experiments, manages lab notebook(s), maintains standard/control storage, develops specifications, and collects other required documentation in the formulation developmental process.
• Develops competency in basic sensory sciences and performs product sensory evaluations (flavor, texture, appearance, performance, preference/liking) for ingredients and finished products for internal partners. Batches, packages, and labels samples for UAT and IHUT purposes. Coordinates internal events for taste testing and data collection.
• Tracks and maintains product stability data, ensuring accurate documentation of parameters and pass/fail outcomes.
• Maintains accurate inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods within the R&D lab, including tracking usage, shelf life, and replenishment needs.
• Maintains laboratory cleanliness, organization, and compliance to support safe and efficient operations.
• Responsible for managing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with raw material suppliers, contract manufacturers, and contracted research organizations, ensuring proper documentation, compliance, and organization of confidential information, including samples.
• Assists with product presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Works independently as well as with teams to deliver results on time.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and execute formulation initiatives including innovation, renovation, and cost savings.
• Responsible for sensitive data storage, management, and organization to the desire that aligns with existing standards.
• Ability to work off-hours with occasional evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Performance Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent related years of experience.
• 1 year working in a dietary supplement or food science department.
• Able to conduct sensory evaluations requiring the ability to taste, smell and visually discern most food products and ingredients.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude with a high attention to detail and organization.

About Plexus

Founded in gut health. Experts in microbiome. Plexus Worldwide®, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a renowned direct-selling company recognized as a top employer. Over the past 18 years, Plexus has dedicated itself to promoting hope, health, and happiness through its scientifically backed, innovative dietary supplements, weight management products, and personal care products, sold primarily through Plexus Brand Ambassadors. As a six-time Best Places to Work awardee, Blue Zone-approved employer, and an AZ Most Admired Company, Plexus prides itself on its robust organizational culture and commitment to community support and philanthropy. Our team is driven by a shared mission to empower individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals while offering additional income through the sale of products. Join us to be part of a team that values people, innovation, wellness, and community impact.

Benefits

• Highly rated and competitive medical plans.
• 401 (k) with company match and immediate vesting.
• 1-on-1, personalized health coaching.
• Many other voluntary benefits.

To learn more about Plexus Worldwide, please review our careers page at www.plexusworldwide.com/careers.

Learn more about our One Plexus culture. Watch this short video to see how our values, people, and purpose come together to make Plexus a great place to grow and make an impact. https://plexusworldwide-1.wistia.com/medias/zhfpm3vi4o.