R&D Sweetener & Salt Lab Assistant

Kraft Heinz, Inc.; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz, Inc. in the United States is seeking a Lab Assistant to support R&D initiatives in an Innovation Center. You will ensure accurate execution of test formulas, reliable data collection, and a safe, organized laboratory environment.

Responsibilities include preparing ingredients and samples, performing routine tests, coordinating sensory evaluations, conducting shelf-life studies, and maintaining calibration of equipment. Strong documentation and teamwork are essential to success.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field, or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in a laboratory, pilot plant, food manufacturing, or technical environment preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data entry into lab or inventory systems.
• Familiarity with lab equipment and ability to learn calibration and troubleshooting.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow formulas, SOPs, safety requirements, and documentation standards.
• Effective verbal and written communication and accurate data recording.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, hands-on technical environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients, formulas, and product samples per procedures and test plans.
• Perform routine lab tests, measurements, and evaluations; document observations.
• Organise sensory evaluations, including panel setup and sample prep.
• Conduct shelf-life studies with sample tracking and data recording.
• Manage ingredients, samples, and laboratory supplies; order and receive.
• Coordinate shipping and receiving of materials and finished samples.
• Operate and calibrate lab equipment; maintain cleanliness per GMP and safety standards.
• Support pilot plant prep, small-scale production runs, and product trials.
• Document results, formulations, and specs using lab notebooks or electronic systems.
• Collaborate with R&D and cross-functional partners to support projects.
• Follow safety policies, PPE, and SOPs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Documentation

Communication skills

Basic computer skills

Education

Associate's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field

High school diploma with 2+ years relevant experience

Tools

Lab equipment handling

Calibration concepts

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working closely with food scientists and product developers, the Lab Assistant ensures accurate execution of test formulas, reliable data collection, and maintenance of a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients, formulas, and product samples according to established procedures, specifications, and test plans
• Perform routine laboratory tests, measurements, and evaluations; accurately document observations and results
• Organise and support sensory evaluations, including panel setup and sample preparation
• Conduct shelf‑life studies, including sample tracking and data recording
• Order, receive, label, store, and manage ingredients, samples, and laboratory supplies
• Co‑ordinate shipping and receiving of materials and finished samples
• Operate, clean, maintain, and assist with calibration of laboratory equipment (e.g., mixers, scales, ovens, viscometers)
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organisation in compliance with GMP, food safety, and safety standards
• Support pilot plant preparation, small‑scale production runs, and product trials as needed
• Document test results, formulations, and specifications using electronic systems and/or lab notebooks
• Collab‑orate with R&D scientists, technicians, and cross‑functional partners to support project execution
• Follow all safety policies, PPE requirements, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Work hours

Occasional overtime may be required to support project timelines; however, regular overtime is expected to be minimal.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in related technical or scientific field (Food Science, Biology, Chemistry) or related field, or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant laboratory, pilot plant, or food production experience
• Prior experience in a laboratory, pilot plant, food manufacturing, or technical environment preferred
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and data entry into laboratory or inventory systems
• Familiarity with common laboratory or food testing equipment, with the ability to learn calibration and basic troubleshooting
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow formulas, SOPs, safety requirements, and documentation standards
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including clear sample labeling and accurate data recording
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced, hands‑on technical environment

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in an R&D Innovation Center laboratory, with occasional pilot plant exposure.
• Ability to stand and remain upright for extended periods during lab preparation, testing, and cleanup activities.
• Ability to walk and move frequently between lab benches, storage areas, and equipment stations.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 50 lbs (e.g., ingredient containers, lab apparatus, sample boxes).
• Frequent use of hands for fine motor tasks such as measuring, weighing, labeling, and operating laboratory instruments.
• Frequent repetitive motion, including handling tools, containers, and data entry.
• Occasional bending, crouching, or stooping to access low storage, equipment, or sample placement.
• Occasional reaching below waist and at shoulder height to retrieve ingredients, supplies, or equipment.
• Must be able to wear and utilise required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, hairnets, safety glasses, and hearing protection where applicable.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, including cold rooms, warm processing areas, or heated equipment during pilot plant support.
• Work may involve proximity to moving mechanical equipment and cleaning agents used in sanitation processes.