Research Assistant, Characterization

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:  

Reporting to the Manager of Materials Characterization R&D and working at The Hershey Company’s Technical Center, the Research Assistant provides project assistance in high complexity projects with support or leads workstreams within larger projects with guidance and support. A successful candidate is expected to have knowledge of how to run pieces of equipment and basic knowledge around some products and formulations  and minimal cross-functional communication and communication focused to project leader and manager. The individual would be responsible for the execution of analytical measurements, organization and reporting of data, and methods and applying robust statistics.  This work would include operation of analytical equipment such as differential scanning calorimetry, texture analyzers, rheometers, magnetic resonance imaging and others.  A successful candidate must be skilled in demonstrating the “Own it” and “Take Action” behaviors when leading low complexity projects.  In addition, attributes of a the successful candidate are attention to detail, strong listening skills, and a self-starter.   This person will also be asked to maintain analytical equipment & lab space.   

Specific Role Focus Area: 
• Support method development
• Perform routine instrument testing 
• Support in-plant initiatives such as trials, sales sample production, and start-ups along side scientists and engineers
• Perform data entry, basic calculations, and computer applications
• Partner with project leaders on planning and execution
• Develop and implement low complexity elements of a lab quality program
 

This role will interact and partner with: 
• Scientists from Innovation, Technology Development, Continuous Improvement, Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Engineers from Innovation and Corporate and Plant Engineering
 
Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

Summary of major duties:
Project Support: The operation of analytical equipment (differential scanning calorimetry, texture analyzers, rheometers, magnetic resonance imaging and others) in a lab to characterize food such as chocolate, sweets, nutrition bars and salty snacks.  Support the development of new methods on instrumentation.    Record, analyze (through use of statistics) and interpretation of data, and completion of documentation is expected.  
Project Leadership: With minimal supervision, lead small projects or segments of larger projects within the development and practice of the laboratory quality program.  Manages timelines and deliverables, plans, and executes experiments with autonomy, manages communication of status and results to the team and supervisors.   

Lab Maintenance:
• Ensure that needed lab equipment is available and functional.
• Lead the laboratory maintenance program
-Lab cleaning and maintenance schedule
-Maintenance of inventory of supplies
-Maintain compliance of samples and chemicals through the lab management systems

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:  
• Ability to recognize and prioritize key business needs with some guidance from manager and team 
• Strong demonstrated collaboration skills
• Ability to lead lower complexity technical workstreams
• Ability to make decisions baaed on consumer and/or customer needs
• Ability to work independently in a flexible work environment with dynamic priorities
• Attention to scientific important details 
• Strong listening skills
• Experience operating analytical equipment and demonstrated proficiency
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, and some basic PowerPoint
• Technical report writing experience
• Research experience
• Strong mathematical skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Excellent Organizational skills

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  

Education: GED/HSD with min 3-4 years related experience, or BS with no experience.
Experience: Experience in food characterization and/or BS in STEM field is preferred.

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