Job Title: Research and Development Laboratory TechnicianJob DescriptionThis role supports an application-oriented, product development laboratory by performing routine sample preparation, formulation work, and analytical testing in a safe and compliant manner. The Research and Development Laboratory Technician contributes to powder and dispersion characterization, application research, and the production of trial batches, while maintaining high scientific integrity and strong laboratory housekeeping standards. The position offers the opportunity to lead projects under supervision and to gain experience in cosmetic, personal care, health and beauty, or pharmaceutical-related laboratory work.Responsibilities
- Conduct all laboratory activities in a safe manner by following established industry safety procedures and using appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Comply with relevant federal, state, and local regulatory guidance while performing laboratory work.
- Provide support for and conduct routine sample preparation, product development activities, powder and dispersion characterization, and application research.
- Lead assigned projects under the supervision of the Research and Development Manager, ensuring tasks are completed on time and in line with project objectives.
- Perform routine analysis on samples, products, intermediates, and raw materials to support departmental objectives and quality expectations.
- Produce formulation trial batches at both bench scale and alpha scale, following established methods and documenting results accurately.
- Check in personal care ingredients upon receipt, including reviewing and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each material.
- Manage the personal care ingredients inventory, including organizing and maintaining cabinet storage for flammable, corrosive, and hazardous powders and related materials.
- Monitor and remove expired samples and materials in accordance with laboratory procedures and safety requirements.
- Perform routine housekeeping duties such as removing trash, cleaning laboratory glassware, and maintaining records for non-hazardous chemical waste and solvent storage.
- Record, report, and interpret scientific results with accuracy and integrity, following established documentation practices.
- Collaborate with team members in a product development environment, contributing to a cooperative and supportive laboratory culture.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in the sciences- Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline.
- Some experience in a cosmetic, personal care, health and beauty, or pharmaceuticals laboratory is a plus.
- Experience in research and development (R&D) or laboratory-based roles.
- Capability to perform routine sample preparation, product development activities, and basic laboratory testing.
- Ability to read, understand, and apply information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for personal care ingredients and other materials.
- Strong work ethic with a positive and cooperative attitude toward coworkers, leadership, and colleagues across the organization.
- Uncompromising scientific integrity and an ethical approach to recording, reporting, and interpreting scientific results.
- Desire to work in an application-oriented, team-focused product development laboratory.
- Organizational skills to manage laboratory inventory, including flammable, corrosive, and hazardous powder materials.
- Attention to detail and reliability in performing routine housekeeping and maintaining accurate records.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a product development laboratory operating on a first-shift schedule, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The work involves handling chemicals and materials such as flammable, corrosive, and hazardous powders, requiring consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to safety protocols. The environment emphasizes teamwork, scientific integrity, and an application-oriented approach to research and development. Daily work includes time at the bench producing trial batches, conducting analyses, and performing routine housekeeping tasks such as cleaning glassware and managing non-hazardous chemical waste and solvent storage records. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Romeoville, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $21.00/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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Romeoville, IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Romeoville,IL.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.