Research Assistant

Job Location: Hershey, PA
Summary:

The Global Science and Technology Team is responsible for scouting and developing new technologies for ingredients, products, and processes from upstream research through validation at the commercial scale. The Research Assistant will support multiple scientists who are developing new ingredient technologies across a variety of product portfolios. In addition, the individual will be asked to lead small projects with guidance and support. The role is located on-site at Hershey’s Technical Center in Hershey, PA and reports to the Sr. Manager, Ingredient Technology Development.

The Research Assistant will conduct benchtop research, operate lab and analytical equipment, and prepare recipes under the supervision of a food scientist. The position requires accuracy and precision in data measurement and experimental execution, as well as detailed lab documentation. The individual will also be responsible for cleaning and maintaining equipment and lab space with the highest quality, food safety, and sanitation standards. The candidate must have experience working on teams, be competent with data entry and basic calculations, and be willing to support production start-ups and manufacturing. The individual will need to operate processing equipment in the lab and pilot plant. A successful candidate must be able to work independently and provide cross-functional communication with project leaders and managers.

Specific Role Focus Area: 
• Benchtop lab experimentation that draws upon experience in food science 
• Pilot plant testing
• Equipment assembly and preparation
• Support pilot and plant initiatives such as trials, sales sample production, and start-ups
• Data entry, basic calculations, Microsoft Office proficiency
• Acquire supplies to maintain labs and provide materials for lab and pilot experimentation

This role will interact and partner with:
• Technical and professional employees within Global R&D
• Manufacturing, Operations, and Plant Quality Assurance
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Pilot Plant Operations
• Procurement
• Marketing
• External Vendors

This role will require 10-15% travel. Work will be almost exclusively on-site with minimal opportunity for remote work on occasion.

Summary of major duties:

Project support:
• Execute lab experimentation to prepare and package products following food safety and lab safety standards.
• Operate standard laboratory benchtop and analytical equipment, collecting and tabulating data with high precision and accuracy.
• Record experimental data in Hershey’s ELN system.
• Prepare equipment and materials for lab experimentation and post-test clean-up.

Project Leadership
• With minimal supervision, lead small projects or segments of larger projects in ingredient technology development.
• Manage timelines and resources to achieve deliverables.
• Plan and execute experiments; analyze data and draw conclusions.
• Provide communication to leadership on project status and outcomes.

Lab Maintenance  
• Assume responsibility for organization, cleanliness, and sanitation of team laboratory workspaces.
• Maintain inventory of ingredients and supplies.
• Maintain regulatory compliance through entry of ingredient and packaging information in lot tracking database.
• Conduct routine safety and GMP audits; own corrective actions; lead lab clean-outs.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties and responsibilities: 

• Experience operating lab and analytical equipment, adhering to safety and GMP requirements.
• Ability to work in both a team environment and independently, maintaining flexibility under changing priorities.
• Strong mathematical skills; basic knowledge of statistics preferred.
• Proficient computer skills (basic knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Excellent attention to detail and organization skills.
• Technical report writing and presentation experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel to plant trials and conferences / short courses on occasion.
• Strong interest in learning and advancing in technical skills.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Education and Experience: Minimum of Associate’s degree in STEM field. Preferred B.S. in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.

3-5 years relevant experience with Associate’s or 1+ years relevant experience with Bachelor’s. Internship experience considered.

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