R&D Technician Jobs
R&D Technician jobs are open from entry-level to senior across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer products, and advanced materials, with specializations in formulation, analytical testing, and process development. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 1,695+ R&D Technician jobs
Position Summary:
The R&D Technician will support the formulation and development of cosmetic and OTC personal care products, with a focus on skincare and suncare. This role involves preparing and modifying formulations under the guidance of R&D Chemists, performing lab tests, documenting processes, and supporting scale-up activities. The technician must adhere to lab protocols, ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, and maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment. This position reports directly to the VP of R & D and plays a key role in bringing innovative, high-quality products from concept to launch.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare lab batches based on new or modified formulations according to directions from R&D Chemists and Management.
- Assist in formulation adjustments to meet product performance, stability, and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct routine testing of lab batches, including pH, viscosity, specific gravity, appearance, texture, and odor.
- Maintain accurate and organized records of all formulation work, testing data, and observations.
- Ensure all samples and documentation meet internal standards and are archived appropriately.
- Gain familiarity with regulations related to OTC and cosmetic products, including FDA monograph requirements.
- Support scale-up and pilot batching processes, and assist in the transfer of formulas to the production floor as requested by the chemists and R & D management
- Learn and follow proper procedures for weighing, mixing, and batching raw materials in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
- Identify and communicate any issues during batching, testing, or stability evaluations to the chemists
- Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization in the lab environment, including routine maintenance of lab equipment.
- Work on multiple development projects simultaneously and manage shifting priorities as needed.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and processes
- Knowledge of safe chemical handling procedures.
- Ability to accurately perform calculations for batching and scaling.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to documentation accuracy.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of initiative and problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Willingness to learn and adapt quickly to new methods, regulations, and technologies.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related scientific discipline.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience working within cosmetic or OTC product environment under FDA regulations (e.g., sunscreens, acne treatments, antiperspirants).
- Familiarity with GMP documentation practices and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science or advanced training in formulation chemistry.
Position Summary:
The R&D Technician will support the formulation and development of cosmetic and OTC personal care products, with a focus on skincare and suncare. This role involves preparing and modifying formulations under the guidance of R&D Chemists, performing lab tests, documenting processes, and supporting scale-up activities. The technician must adhere to lab protocols, ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, and maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment. This position reports directly to the VP of R & D and plays a key role in bringing innovative, high-quality products from concept to launch.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare lab batches based on new or modified formulations according to directions from R&D Chemists and Management.
- Assist in formulation adjustments to meet product performance, stability, and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct routine testing of lab batches, including pH, viscosity, specific gravity, appearance, texture, and odor.
- Maintain accurate and organized records of all formulation work, testing data, and observations.
- Ensure all samples and documentation meet internal standards and are archived appropriately.
- Gain familiarity with regulations related to OTC and cosmetic products, including FDA monograph requirements.
- Support scale-up and pilot batching processes, and assist in the transfer of formulas to the production floor as requested by the chemists and R & D management
- Learn and follow proper procedures for weighing, mixing, and batching raw materials in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
- Identify and communicate any issues during batching, testing, or stability evaluations to the chemists
- Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization in the lab environment, including routine maintenance of lab equipment.
- Work on multiple development projects simultaneously and manage shifting priorities as needed.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and processes
- Knowledge of safe chemical handling procedures.
- Ability to accurately perform calculations for batching and scaling.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to documentation accuracy.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of initiative and problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Willingness to learn and adapt quickly to new methods, regulations, and technologies.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related scientific discipline.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Experience working within cosmetic or OTC product environment under FDA regulations (e.g., sunscreens, acne treatments, antiperspirants).
- Familiarity with GMP documentation practices and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science or advanced training in formulation chemistry.
R&D Technician Jobs by Experience Level
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Find R&D Technician JobsR&D Technician Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Sandia National Laboratories80
- Los Alamos National Laboratory68
- Sherwin-Williams34
- Kraft Heinz32
- Keysight Technologies31
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software56
- Manufacturing32
- Electronics & Hardware24
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals19
- Consulting & Professional Services19
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in R&D technician jobs.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a related science field
- Hands-on experience operating and maintaining analytical instruments such as HPLC or GC-MS
- Proficiency with laboratory information management systems and electronic lab notebooks
- Knowledge of GMP, GLP, or ISO laboratory quality standards and documentation practices
- Experience writing and following standard operating procedures and test protocols
- Ability to interpret experimental data, identify anomalies, and prepare technical reports
Tips for Your R&D Technician Job Search
Tailor your resume to lab documentation standards
R&D technician postings heavily weight experience with SOPs, lab notebooks, and data integrity protocols. List the specific documentation systems you've used, such as electronic lab notebooks or LIMS, so hiring managers can see your compliance background immediately.
List equipment and instruments by name
Hiring managers scan for specific instruments like HPLC, GC-MS, spectrophotometers, or Karl Fischer titrators. Generic phrases like 'analytical equipment' won't surface your resume in ATS filters. Name every instrument you've operated, even if it was for routine maintenance or calibration.
Target postings that match your regulatory environment
R&D technician roles in pharma and medical devices require GMP or GLP experience, while consumer goods or materials roles often don't. Applying to GMP-heavy roles without that background wastes time, so filter openings by the regulatory framework before you apply.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists r&d technician openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a bench skills walkthrough for interviews
Interviewers for r&d technician roles frequently ask you to describe a failed experiment and how you troubleshot it. Prepare two or three specific examples that show your diagnostic process, not just the outcome, so you can answer technique-focused questions confidently.
Negotiate start date around project timing
R&D teams often have hard deadlines tied to study launches or product development milestones. Asking about upcoming project cycles during the offer stage lets you negotiate a start date that positions you as immediately useful rather than onboarding during a lull.
R&D Technician Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most r&d technicians?
The most active employers for r&d technicians right now are Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Sherwin-Williams, and the most openings are in California, New Mexico, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract research organizations, and consumer products companies tend to post the highest volumes year-round.
How many r&d technician jobs are remote?
About 35% of r&d technician openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than many white-collar roles because most positions require hands-on bench work. Data analysis, documentation review, and regulatory writing sub-functions within R&D are the areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become a r&d technician?
Most r&d technician roles require an associate or bachelor's degree in a natural science such as chemistry, biology, or biochemistry. From there, gaining hands-on lab experience through internships, co-ops, or academic research projects is the most direct path. Building familiarity with analytical instruments and quality documentation practices before your first application significantly strengthens your candidacy.
Can you get hired as a r&d technician with little experience?
Entry-level r&d technician roles do exist, particularly at contract research organizations and manufacturing companies that prioritize trainable candidates over experienced hires. Highlighting academic lab coursework, senior capstone projects, or even relevant volunteer research on your resume helps close the gap. Applying to roles labeled 'associate technician' or 'laboratory technician I' increases your chances when professional experience is limited.
What does the r&d technician interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a phone screen focused on your technical background and instrument experience. A hiring manager interview follows, often including scenario-based questions about experimental troubleshooting or deviation handling. Some companies add a practical bench assessment or ask you to walk through a past experiment in detail. Final rounds may include a lab tour and meeting potential team members.
Where can I find and apply to r&d technician jobs?
You can find and apply to r&d technician jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from companies across the United States. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 1,695+ R&D Technician Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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