Job Description

Research And Development Technician

Our Global Innovation & Technical Excellence Center is seeking a motivated Food Innovation Technician to support the development of next-generation food and beverage ingredients derived from a proprietary barley protein platform. This role involves hands-on preparation, formulation, testing, and scale-up of new protein-based products. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a laboratory and pilot plant environment, be highly detail-oriented, and follow precise formulas and experimental procedures. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a Food Science student or early-career professional to gain real-world experience in product development, formulation, pilot plant operations, and sustainable ingredient innovation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, weigh, mix, and process ingredients according to established formulas and test procedures.
• Assist with the development and production of prototype food and beverage products using barley protein.
• Support bench-top and pilot-scale product trials from concept through scale-up.
• Measure and document product attributes such as viscosity, texture, appearance, and other physical characteristics.
• Prepare samples for internal evaluation, testing, and pilot plant production.
• Accurately record formulas, observations, test results, and process parameters.
• Follow detailed experimental protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Collaborate with scientists, product developers, and Research Pilot Brewery personnel to support product scale-up activities.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and inventory of ingredients and supplies.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process issues while communicating findings to project teams.
• Support safe laboratory and pilot plant operations by adhering to food safety and quality standards.

Essential Skills

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow formulas and instructions.
• Comfortable performing hands-on laboratory and production tasks.
• Effective communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to lift ingredients, move materials, and stand for extended periods.
• Laboratory, food manufacturing, product development, or pilot plant experience.
• Experience with food formulation, ingredient preparation, or sample production.
• Familiarity with measurements such as viscosity, texture, pH, moisture, or other food quality characteristics.
• Experience working in a fast-paced research, innovation, or food production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Honest and straightforward communicator.
• Easy-going and collaborative team member.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
• Curious and eager to learn new processes.
• Comfortable working with both scientists and operations teams.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic innovation environment.

Work Environment

The work environment includes both laboratory and office settings, providing exposure to lab equipment and office workspaces.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis, MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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