Product Development Lab Specialist

Refresco; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match

12 Paid Holidays

Job summary

DBA-Verwaltungs-Gmbh in Columbus, GA is seeking a PD Lab Specialist to ensure lab cleanliness, organization, and material restocking while executing projects for internal and external customers. Responsibilities include maintaining compliance with lab practices, supporting developers, and managing lab inventory.

The ideal candidate has a relevant degree or lab experience, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn and develop lab methods. The role offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) with company match.

Qualifications

• Experience in a beverage/food lab is preferred.
• Ability to maintain documentation and records.
• Strong focus on results and goal achievement.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean and organized lab environment.
• Develop proficiency with lab instrumentation.
• Communicate professionally with internal and external customers.

Skills

Willingness to learn and develop lab methods

Ownership of projects

Aptitude for mathematical calculations

Professional communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or related discipline

Tools

SAP

SIMS sensory testing software

Job description

Job Overview

The PD Lab Specialist will maintain vital lab functions such as cleanliness, organization, and material restocking, while executing assigned projects for internal and external customers. They will support developers, other lab personnel, and functional groups within R&D, ensuring compliance with Product Development lab practices, technical responsibilities, and standard operating procedures.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized lab environment in accordance with GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices).
• Lead and maintain assigned administrative tasks; create and own the process.
• Develop proficiency with lab instrumentation including microthermics, homogenizer, HTP processor, and analytical devices.
• Independently complete sample requests in a timely manner, referencing SharePoint specifications, generating lab formulas, creating beverages, bottling, logging, labeling, linking information into the lab database, and uploading supporting documents to the ACE database.
• Test specifications and manage lab inventory of juices, flavors, packaging, carbonated water, and materials; communicate with suppliers and support departments for material requests.
• Gain knowledge of ERP software (SAP), product development testing methods, and technical competencies according to the PD Playbook OneNote SOPs.
• Support developers and lab personnel in various development projects and all lab functions.
• Communicate professionally with all internal and external customers.
• Support shelf‑life practices including ring study, light stability testing, and sensory evaluations.
• Understand raw material qualification processes and operate SIMS sensory testing software for site taste tests.
• Build sensory experience relevant to job advancement.

Required Skills

• Willingness to learn, develop, and perfect PD lab methods and practices, including maintaining documentation and records (sample log, specification logs, ACE, shipping documents).
• Take ownership of projects, ask questions, collect information, and exercise independence and critical thinking.
• Aptitude for mathematical calculations.
• Professional communication with honest and constructive feedback; confidently share ideas and solutions.
• Consistent information awareness by reading emails, referencing SharePoint, Weekly Action Plan, and owning Planner tasks.
• Embody the 5 Refresco values: responsibility, entrepreneurship, agility, excellence, and passion.
• Foster teamwork by providing assistance to fellow lab personnel.
• Notice, interpret, and anticipate others' concerns and feelings.
• Demonstrate focus on desired results for self or team and drive to meet goals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related discipline; or adequate experience in a beverage/food lab is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work environment is repetitive.
• Mental stress due to deadlines, production quotas, and accuracy demands.

Travel Requirements

• Based in Columbus, GA development lab; rare travel to customers, suppliers, or Refresco plants.

Other Duties

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time
• Well‑being Benefit
• Discount and Total Reward Programs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Refresco Beverages U.S. Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.