Research Technician Jobs in Minnesota

Job Title:

R&D Technician

Location:

Osseo, MN | On-site at VitaPros

Department:

Research & Development

About VitaPros:

VitaPros is a rapidly growing contract manufacturer of premium dietary supplements, specializing in the formulation, blending, tableting, encapsulation, and packaging of nutraceuticals. Based in Osseo, MN, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, compliant products that support health and wellness. We are passionate about innovation, flavor, and product performance — and we’re looking for a driven technician to join our R&D team.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented R&D technician to assist with the product development of dietary supplement products including powders, capsules, and functional tablets. In this role, you will provide hands-on support across all facets of R&D - benchtop prototype creation, flavor development, scale-up and testing as well as laboratory, equipment, and inventory management. You will work cross-functionally alongside R&D, Quality, and Operations teams to bring high-quality formulations from concept to commercialization while maintaining rigorous cGMP standards.

This position is ideal for recent graduates with a degree in food science, chemistry, nutrition, or a related field who are eager to gain hands-on experience in applied flavor science and formulation.

Key Responsibilities:

Formulation & Process Development

• Formulation Support: Assist with product development, formula optimization, and reformulation under guided supervision.
• Prototyping & Sampling: Prepare benchtop prototypes and customer samples to exact specifications.
• Testing & Characterization: Conduct routine in-process testing, physical characterization, and stability testing to evaluate product performance and manufacturability.
• Scale-Up Collaboration: Support scale-up trials on the manufacturing floor, including process observation, real-time sample collection, data gathering, and providing feedback to improve manufacturing procedures.

Laboratory Operations & Compliance

• Lab Maintenance & Hygiene: Ensure the laboratory remains clean, organized, and compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Equipment Care: Assemble, operate, calibrate, disassemble, clean, and sanitize laboratory equipment and tooling.
• Inventory Control: Manage inventory for raw materials, lab consumables, finished goods, and retain samples; coordinate sample shipments.

Data Management & Cross-Functional Support

• Documentation: Maintain precise, complete, and legible laboratory records, batch records, and testing logs.
• Reporting: Compile basic test data, generate summary reports, and provide regular project updates to technical leadership.
• Troubleshooting: Assist Quality and Manufacturing teams with root-cause investigations, deviations, and process troubleshooting.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) with 1–3 years of technician/lab experience in dietary supplement, food/beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing; OR
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a science-related discipline (Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.) — new graduates welcome to apply.
• Strong interest in sensory science, product development, or flavor formulation.
• Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and a commitment to strict documentation integrity.
• Self-starter capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (MS Office / Google Workspace).
• Comfortable working in a lab setting with basic compounding, weighing, and measuring skills.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, reach, stoop, kneel and crouch for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to handle delicate laboratory equipment and weigh small portions.
• Ability to routinely lift up to 50 lbs and occasionally maneuver up to 100 lbs with assistance or equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferred:
• Industry Background: Prior experience in food, dietary supplement, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical manufacturing or laboratory environments is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and FDA regulations for supplements.

What You'll Gain:

• Practical lab experience in the dietary supplement industry.
• Exposure to flavor systems, natural ingredients, and sensory analysis methods.
• Opportunity to contribute to real-world formulations and product innovation.
• Mentorship from experienced formulators and scientists in a regulated environment.

Schedule & Compensation:

• 40 hours per week with occasional overtime available
• On-site at our Osseo, MN facility
• Hourly compensation based on experience and academic background

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Safety equipment provided

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working in dietary supplement, food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical manufacturing or product development?

Experience:

• manufacturing or R&D: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person