R&D Laboratory Intern

Vantage Specialty Chemicals; New Jersey; On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Vantage Specialty Chemicals is seeking a Lab Intern to join the Warren, NJ R&D lab on-site. The role requires ~20 hours per week with a minimum commitment of 2–3 days and close supervision.

Responsibilities include managing formulation samples, inventory, stability sampling, and assisting with cosmetic batch-making under direction. Strong organization and safety mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field with sophomore standing or higher.
• Prior lab coursework or hands-on experience in cosmetics, chemicals, or consumer products is a plus.
• Ability to follow SOPs, maintain safety practices, and document activities accurately.

Responsibilities

• Manage and organize formulation prototypes and samples, including labeling, packaging, tracking, and shipping.
• Support raw material and laboratory supply inventory for R&D activities.
• Assist with stability chamber sample management, recording conditions and documentation.
• Support calibration and proper use of laboratory equipment per SOPs.
• Assist with cosmetic formulation and batch-making activities (creams, lotions, gels, serums).
• Maintain an organized and safe laboratory environment following SOPs and PPE requirements.

Skills

Lab safety practices

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in science-related field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Teams

Excel

Word

Job description

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:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and organize formulation prototypes and samples, including labeling, packaging, tracking, and shipping samples for customer and business requests.
• Support raw material and laboratory supply inventory, ensuring materials are properly organized and available for R&D activities.
• Assist scientists with stability chamber sample management, including recording temperature and humidity, sample placement/removal, and documentation.
• Support the calibration and proper use of laboratory equipment, following established SOPs and maintaining accurate records.
• Assist R&D scientists with cosmetic formulation and batch-making activities, including creams, lotions, gels, serums, and other personal care formulations.
• Help maintain an organized and safe laboratory environment, following all SOPs, safety procedures, PPE requirements, and documentation standards.

Education & Experience:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, preferably chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, 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 a R&D laboratory environment and may involve handling samples, packaging materials, raw materials, laboratory supplies, and standard laboratory equipment.

Pay and Benefits

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.

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.