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Cocoa Science Lab Research Associate

Spectraforce Technologies
United States, Pennsylvania, Hershey
May 14, 2026
Title: Cocoa Science Lab Research Associate Location: Hershey, PA Shift: 1st shift Duration: 6 months Job Description: This position will provide assistance to multiple scientists on high complexity projects and lead small projects with guidance and support. The individual will operate analytical equipment, run experiments supporting scientists work, prepare recipes in lab and assist in pilot plant testing under the supervision of R&D scientists. The individual will help clean and maintain cocoa science lab and pilot plant equipment and space at the highest quality, food safety and sanitation standards. The individual must have good organization skills, experience working in a team, be competent with data collection and entry, basic calculations, and operation of lab and pilot equipment. The individual will report to the Sr. Scientist, Cocoa Science. Specific Role Focus Area: Benchtop development that draws upon experiences in food processing and preparation Lab tests planning, set-up, running tests and clean-up: record operations observations, sampling, and analysis Pilot plant testing - equipment assembly, preparations and clean-up Support scale-up testing initiatives such as trials, sample production, sample collection and submitting for analysisIdentify project support needs and partner with project leaders on planning and execution Data entry, basic calculations and analysis, and leverage computer applications Typical Day: 35% Operating lab, pilot plant and analytical equipment, characterizing food. Preparing snacks and/or confectionery for processing and operating pilot plant / lab equipment 35% Recording data, interpretation of data & completion of documentation 20% Maintaining & cleaning lab equipment and workspaces 10% Maintaining inventory and ordering of equipment and supplies Top Three Technical Skills: 1. Ability to operate analytical equipment and run experiments 2. Ability to record & interpret data 3. Technical report writing Must Haves (i.e., years of experience?) High Attention to Detail Strong listening skills Experience operating lab, pilot plant and analytical equipment and demonstrated proficiency Knowledge of Word, Excel and some basic PowerPoint Technical Report Writing Research Experience Software Skills and Purpose (if applicable): Experience in Excel, PowerPoint and Word, Basic statistical comparison Industry Experience: Experience in operating equipment & instrumentation included but not limited to cocoa and chocolate processing and basic food characterization instrumentation Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities: Ability to read, understand, and follow formulation sheets and procedures Well-developed oral and written communication skills. Ability to handle allergens including dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs and other food ingredient chemicals and allergens while wearing appropriate PPE. Experience in Excel, PowerPoint and Word, Basic statistical comparison Ability to lift up to 40 lbs Ability to effectively plan and execute multiple priorities while being flexible and adaptive to change General knowledge of food GMP and FSMA