Description
Assist food scientists in laboratory research by performing standardized qualitative and quantitative analyses on ingredients, prototypes, and finished food and beverage products. Support R&D, quality control, processing, and packaging studies by preparing samples, running assays, operating instruments, and documenting results to evaluate physical, chemical, and microbiological properties.
- • Conduct standardized chemical, physical, and microbiological tests on ingredients, intermediates, and finished products to meet protocols and regulations.
- • Prepare samples, reagents, media, and standards for experiments.
- • Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments (pH meters, balances, spectrophotometers, chromatographs).
- • Compute composition metrics (moisture, salt, fat, nutrients) and formulation percentages using validated methods.
- • Record, compile, and visualize data; maintain electronic lab notebooks and generate reports.
- • Analyze results against specifications or reference tables to classify products.
- • Conduct sensory checks or coordinate panels to verify flavor, aroma, and texture specifications.
- • Examine samples microscopically to detect cells, microorganisms, or foreign material.
- • Mix, blend, culture, or scale bench-top batches for prototype development.
- • Test packaging and container integrity, dimensions, and performance in studies.
- • Monitor and control temperature, time, pH, and other critical parameters during processing and storage trials.
- • Clean, sterilize, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment; arrange service as needed.
- • Manage inventory; order supplies and maintain SDS and chain-of-custody records.
- • Follow GLP/GMP, HACCP, and safety procedures; maintain regulatory documentation.
- • Train and mentor new lab personnel; coordinate day-to-day workflow for technicians.
- • Prepare, inoculate, and incubate plates or slides for microbiological assays.
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Agriculture
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
