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Research Assistant

Posted Date:  May 4, 2026
Requisition Number:  128792

Location: Hershey, PA

 

Why Hershey:

At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey’s enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and longstanding partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands-on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross-brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference—locally and globally—is part of how we do business every day.

 

Role Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Manager, Chocolate Product Development, the Research Assistant supports high- and medium-complexity product development projects at The Hershey Company’s Technical Center. This role provides hands-on laboratory and pilot plant support, contributes to project execution, and leads defined workstreams or small projects with guidance. The ideal candidate brings foundational food science knowledge, familiarity with manufacturing processes, and strong communication and problem-solving skills to help deliver high-quality chocolate and confectionery innovations.

 

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Support benchtop development and pilot plant testing by preparing ingredients, packaging materials, and equipment
  • Operate standard laboratory and pilot plant equipment; collect, record, and tabulate experimental data
  • Assist with pilot plant scale-up trials, including equipment setup, operation support, and post-test cleanup
  • Support in-plant initiatives such as trials, sales sample production, and start-ups
  • Identify project support needs and partner with project leaders on planning and execution
  • Serve as Technical Center coordinator for the IngredentsNow program, managing internal ingredient ordering and issue resolution
  • Execute purchase requests and support purchase orders for the Chocolate Product Development team, coordinating with Finance, Capital teams, and R&D leadership
  • With minimal supervision, lead small projects or portions of larger projects, managing timelines, deliverables, and communication of results
  • Coordinate and oversee temporary labor support as needed
  • Collaborate closely with R&D and CI Scientists and Engineers, Pilot Plant Operations, and Finance and Capital partners
  • Travel domestically up to 15% as required

 

Minimum Requirements:

  • GED or High School Diploma with 3–4 years of related experience OR
  • Bachelor’s degree in a non-related field with no prior experience
  • Basic knowledge of food science, formulations, and manufacturing processes
  • Ability to work hands-on with laboratory and pilot plant equipment
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

 

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The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
 
The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.  

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability.
You can request an accommodation via phone or email.  

To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information.  You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include “Accommodation Needed” in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.


Nearest Major Market: Harrisburg

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