Research Assistant Salty R&D Popcorn/Puffs

Location:  Hershey Company Technical Center (on-site)

Position Overview: The Research Assistant will provide project assistance in high and medium complexity projects, supporting or leading workstreams within larger projects under guidance and support. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of manufacturing a wide portfolio of products on a benchtop scale and operating associated lab and pilot plant equipment. Basic food science knowledge and effective cross-functional communication skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Benchtop Development: Utilize food science and/or engineering skills for product development.
• Pilot Plant Testing: Conduct tests and experiments in the pilot plant.
• Equipment Assembly and Preparation: Assemble and prepare lab/pilot plant equipment and samples.
• In-Plant Initiatives: Support trials, sales sample production, and start-ups.
• Project Support: Identify project support needs and partner with project leaders on planning and execution.
• Data Management: Perform data entry, basic calculations, and leverage computer applications.

Collaboration: This role will interact and partner with scientists, engineers, and pilot plant operations.

Travel Requirements: Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time.

 Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of food science.
• Experience with lab and pilot plant equipment.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• ​​​​​​​Ability to lift up to 50lbs.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Project support: Operate standard experimental testing or processing equipment in the laboratory to prepare and package products. Record and tabulate data. Assist with pilot plant scale-up testing by preparing ingredients, packaging materials, and processing equipment. Assist with equipment operation, data collection, and post-test cleanup.

• Project leadership:  Lead small projects or segments of larger projects with minimal supervision. Manage timelines and deliverables. Plan and execute experiments autonomously. Oversee temporary labor deliverables and coordination. Communicate status and results to the team and supervisors.

• Lab maintenance: Ensure organization, cleanliness, and sanitation of team laboratory workspaces. Maintain inventory of ingredients and supplies. Ensure regulatory compliance by entering ingredient/packaging information in the lot tracking database.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 

• GED/HSD with min 3-4 years related experience, or BS in non-related field with no experience; Technical/professional certification preferred.

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