Research Operator

1003 Abbott Laboratories; North Carolina; On-site; USD 29,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HIP PPO medical plan

High employer contribution retirement

Tuition reimbursement

Freedom 2 Save

FreeU education benefit

Job summary

Abbott in Columbus, OH currently seeks a Research Operator in R&D to process and sterilize nutritional products and operate related equipment. You will handle material flow, CIP, verification tests, and safety compliance as part of a team focused on quality and efficiency.

The role emphasizes following procedures, maintaining equipment, and supporting environmental monitoring, with opportunities for certification and growth in a global healthcare leader.

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma / GED.
• Bachelor’s degree in technical field preferred.
• Three years’ experience in a plant production environment (drug/food/beverage).
• Knowledge of regulatory standards for infant formula, nutrition products.
• Knowledge of food processing techniques and documentation requirements.
• Ability to read and follow work order documents; troubleshoot equipment.
• Good mechanical aptitude and problem solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute manufacturing steps per approved work order documents.
• Complete tasks for cleaning, CIP, and setup of equipment.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas.
• Conduct environmental monitoring sampling.
• Perform in-process testing with lab equipment (pH meters, etc).
• Operate all manufacturing and product handling equipment.
• Communicate issues and recommendations to development, engineering, QA and management.
• Aim for Better Process Control certification.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Reading work orders

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in technical field (preferred)

Tools

pH meters

Leak tester

Can seam vision system

Total solids analyzer

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

At Abbott you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to: Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of. Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year. An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree. A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune. A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

Research Operator Position – Columbus, OH

Our location in Columbus, OH, currently has an opportunity for a Research Operator. In Research & Development (R&D) our ambition is providing innovative high-quality products, creating sustainable value, delivering superior user experience and enhancing health outcomes at all stages of life. The Research Operator is responsible for the processing and sterilization of liquid and powdered infant and adult nutritional products in the Columbus PRC. Primary functions include, but not limited to: material handling, hand cleaning, clean‑in‑place (CIP), routine housekeeping, and operation of equipment used in manufacturing research product from start to finish: kettles, heat treatment processing systems, fillers, capper, seamer, retorts, aseptic processing and filling equipment, spray dryer and other powder handling equipment, etc. This position is accountable for accurately following all procedures relating to the manufacture of products in the Columbus PRC. Failure to follow all procedures could result in the loss of product or a project. Accountable for the safety of self and other employees while operating equipment. This position is accountable for complying with applicable regulations, policies, procedures, or guidelines.

What You’ll Do

Meet departmental standards and expectations for teamwork and customer service. Comply with the Abbott Quality System as it applies to the PRC. Demonstrate consistency in retaining and applying learned skills. Perform tasks or job functions accurately and in a timely manner. Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for EHS performance and compliance through active participation and support of Abbott’s EHS program. Adhere to all policies, procedures, and expectations for each area of responsibility.

• Execute manufacturing steps per the approved work order documents.
• Complete tasks associated with cleaning, CIP, and setup of necessary equipment.
• Maintain good housekeeping in work areas.
• Execute environmental monitoring sampling.
• Perform in-process testing using lab equipment such as pH meters, leak tester, can seam vision system, total solids analyzer, etc.
• Operate all manufacturing and product handling equipment.
• Effectively communicate project execution issues and/or observations and provide recommendations to Product Development, support roles such as Engineering and QA, and management.
• Obtain Better Process Control certification.

Minimum Education / Professional Experience

• Required: High school diploma/GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Technical field preferred.
• Preferred: Three years’ experience in a plant production environment (preferably within drug, food, or beverage manufacturing).
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula, adult nutrition, and performance nutrition.
• Knowledge of food processing techniques and documentation requirements.
• Ability to read and follow work order documents, troubleshoot equipment breakdowns, and operate powered industrial vehicles.
• Should possess good mechanical aptitude and solid problem‑solving skills.

Benefits

• Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan (free medical coverage).
• Excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
• FreeU education benefit.

The base pay for this position is $20.85 – $41.75/hour. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

Job Family & Details

• Product Development
• DIVISION: ANRD Nutrition Research & Development
• LOCATION: United States > Columbus : RP05
• WORK SHIFT: Standard
• TRAVEL: No
• MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: No
• SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)

Equal Opportunity & EEO

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Military/Veteran friendly Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

Company Culture & Vision

Abbott is about the power of health. For more than 135 years, Abbott has been helping people reach their potential - because better health allows people and communities to achieve more. With a diverse, global network serving customers in more than 160 countries, we create new solutions - across the spectrum of health, around the world, for all stages of life. Whether it’s next-generation diagnostics, life-changing devices, science-based nutrition, or novel reformulations, we are advancing some of the most innovative and revolutionary technologies in healthcare, helping people live their best lives through better health. The people of Abbott come to work each day with relentless energy, enthusiasm and a promise to enhance the health and well-being of millions of people. They push the boundaries to help manage and treat some of life’s greatest health challenges. We invite you to explore opportunities at Abbott, to see if your talents and career aspirations may fit with our openings. An equal opportunity employer, Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.