Lab Technician (R&D)

Plexus Worldwide, LLC.; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NDAs managed with suppliers & partners

Job summary

Plexus Worldwide, LLC. in Scottsdale, AZ, is seeking a Laboratory R&D Associate to support new product formulation and development through bench-scale experiments, sensory evaluations, and thorough documentation.

This role manages lab materials and stability data, coordinates NDAs with suppliers and contract manufacturers, and collaborates across teams to drive innovation, renovation, and cost savings. Some evenings, weekends, or holidays may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related years of experience.
• 1 year working in a dietary supplement or food science department.
• Preferred 2 years working in a dietary supplement or food science department.

Responsibilities

• Conduct sensory evaluations requiring the ability to taste, smell and visually discern most food products and ingredients.
• Maintain lab notebooks, manage storage and documentation in the formulation development process.
• Support product formulation development and test samples for internal partners and UAT/IHUT programs.
• Coordinate NDAs with raw material suppliers, contract manufacturers, and CROs.
• Ensure lab cleanliness, organization, and compliance to support safe operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify formulation initiatives and cost savings.

Skills

Sensory evaluation

Lab notebook management

Documentation & record-keeping

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition

Job description

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.

Position Accountabilities

• Conducts bench-top experiments, manages lab notebook(s), maintain standard/control storage, develop 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. Batch, package, and label 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.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees in this position.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent related years of experience.

Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or related field.

Minimum Experience: 1 year working in a dietary supplement or food science department.

Preferred Experience: 2 years working in a dietary supplement or food science department.

Required Certification/ License: N/A

Preferred Certification/ License: N/A

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• 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.