R&D Lab Technician II Details

R&D Lab Technician II

Conagra Brands - Chicago, IL

Employment Type : Full-Time

We are looking for a an R&D Lab Technician II to join our R&D team in Chicago, Illinois! Located in the heart of downtown Chicago along the Chicago River, our Center for Food Design is a unique and exciting space filled with state of the art facilities and a team of enthusiastic foodies that help bring food product insights and trends to life. As the Research Technician II, you will independently conduct both varied and routine repetitive tests in a laboratory, pilot plant, and production areas in support of the Snacks team and brands within Conagra, specifically baking and popcorn. You will collaborate with a team of food scientists to assist in the creation of great food, and contribute to the high impact culture showing your passion for food and team connectivity. Reporting to the R&D Manger, you will support tasks in the culinary kitchen, bakery and popcorn snacks labs, and pilot plant. You will prepare bench top or pilot plant samples in collaboration with Food Scientists, and establish procedures for acquiring ingredients/supplies for labs and pilot plant. You will arrange product/ingredient shipments to/from production facilities and suppliers according to federal regulations. You will test multiple variables using established procedures and create new procedures as well as perform general lab upkeep/cleaning tasks and inventory management and maintain an organized and efficient workspace which will be used by the bakery and popcorn snacks teams. What else you'll do in this role: Product Development Support

• Conduct bench top and pilot plant testing independently
• Set up, operate, disassemble, sanitize and reassemble lab equipment
• Prepare samples for shipment in collaboration with Food Scientists
• Use online specification systems
• Train new employees on lab procedures including cleaning, proper maintenance and bench scale development processes
• Develop and lead new processes to simplify work processes for a more efficient way of operating
• Ensure food safety and food handling techniques are followed during storage, preparation and cleanup of all foods
• Coordinate shelf life studies and sample preparation

Laboratory Maintenance

• Organize, clean and maintain shared frozen, refrigerated and ambient storage spaces
• Facilitate lab cleaning including shared equipment i.e. microwaves, stovetop, ovens
• Calibration of lab equipment including temp probes, microwaves and ovens
• Work with facilities & building manager to maintain lab appliances, plumbing or electrical needs

Inventory Management

• Organize and maintain stock of general use raw materials in Bakery and Grains labs, including shelf life monitoring and rotating out old inventory
• Work with pilot plant ingredient procurement within federal regulations
• Help manage the shipments of samples and ingredients to multiple production facilities and suppliers
• Maintain essential product libraries and samples for all business pillars
• Ensure delivery of goods/services, coordinating with building/facilities team to track and manage incoming goods

What you'll need to be successful:

• High School diploma or equivalent required with 3 years related experience in a food lab environment or manufacturing facility. Associate or Bachelor degree in a Science strongly preferred (Chemistry, Biology or Microbiology).
• Basic knowledge of food safety practices
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well, follow directions and effectively collaborate with others to accomplish common goals
• Willingness to taste different food products for evaluation purposes
• Operate specialized lab equipment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 40 lbs on a regular basis
• Ability to stand continuously for up to 4 hours
• Ability to operate and move freely around manufacturing equipment
• Exposure to laboratory and pilot plant manufacturing environments for periodic extended workdays which may include: loud noise, heat, cold, wet and slippery conditions

Our modern workplace: Conagra’s culture of collaboration enhances our ability to meet critical business goals, deliver value to customers and consumers and provide you with the flexibility you need to achieve a better work-life balance. We carefully consider each role and how often each team member needs to collaborate in-person. Due to the nature of the work, you would need to be onsite typically 5 days a week with some flexibility. At this time, we require applicants for this role to be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship either now or in the future. #LI-MH1 #LI-Onsite Our Benefits: We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
• Wealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences
• Balance: paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)

Our Company: Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that’s passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, Reddi-wip®, and Vlasic®, and emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®. We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com . Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.