Bel is part of a mission-driven, family-owned company with 160 years of innovation and social purpose, a presence in 120 countries, and a commitment to repositioning the role of snacking to help support a balanced diet. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, Bel U.S. creates delicious fruit, veggie, and dairy portion-sized snacks that bring nourishment, joy, and convenience to everyday life.

Guided by the values of care, dare, and commit, Bel is committed to the Fight for Better Snacking—delivering accessible, portion-sized options while advancing sustainable innovation, healthier snacking, regenerative agriculture, circular economy, and community support. Bel’s mission gives the company a powerful platform to show up credibly at industry moments that shape conversations, partnerships, and the future of food.

The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID.  #IWorkForAllForGood

Job Description Summary

The Lab Technician supports the R&D team by completing hands-on laboratory tasks, preparing and organizing samples, assisting with batching and trials, and recording data for product development and improvement projects, as well as other assigned tasks. This role helps execute studies related to product targets, specifications, process improvements, product optimization, and new ingredient testing. The Lab Technician also supports lab organization, incoming and outgoing shipments, inventory activities, raw material validations, and sample disposal. This position helps keep the lab clean, efficient, safe, stocked, and ready to support R&D project work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

R&D Study and Project Support (30%)

• Conduct studies related to product targets, specifications, processes, and improvements.
• Test, record, and report data for one-off projects and project-based requests.
• Support team projects and R&D priorities as assigned.
• Assist with special requests from R&D leadership, scientists, and cross-functional partners as appropriate.

Batching, Trials, and Sample Support (25%)

• Assist scientists with batching activities, product trials, and sample preparation.
• Help label, organize, store, and dispose of samples according to project and lab needs.
• Support trial setup, cleanup, and material readiness for scientists and project owners.
• Follow instructions carefully to ensure accurate, consistent, and safe execution of lab work.

Inventory, Shipments, and Material Handling (20%)

• Collect incoming shipments and drop off outgoing shipments once daily, with urgent shipments handled by project owners.
• Assist with collecting and organizing raw materials for freezer and dry material inventory.
• Assist with the disposal of expired materials from freezer and dry material inventory.
• Support material organization, labeling, and storage practices that keep the lab efficient and ready for project work.

Raw Material Validation Support (15%)

• Assist with raw material validation tasks to support product quality and consistency.
• Prepare samples, collect observations, and record data for validation work.
• Support follow-up testing or documentation needs identified by the Lab Coordinator or scientists.
• Communicate concerns related to materials, samples, or test results in a timely manner.

Lab Cleanliness, Safety, and Efficiency (10%)

• Participate in maintaining a clean, organized, safe, and efficient lab environment.
• Follow lab safety expectations and good housekeeping practices.
• Help keep work areas, storage locations, tools, and supplies organized and accessible.
• Support continuous improvement ideas that make routine lab work easier, safer, or more consistent.

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or coursework in food science, chemistry, biology, or a related technical field preferred.
• Experience in a laboratory, food production, quality, R&D, manufacturing, or technical support environment preferred.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, record data accurately, and communicate status or concerns clearly.
• Experience handling samples, raw materials, inventory, or shipping activities preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, hands-on lab execution, communication, and teamwork skills.

Working Conditions

Work is performed largely in a laboratory and office environment. Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours with at least 40 hours a week. At times there may be some variation in work hours due to special projects, testing schedules, deadlines, shipments, or other business needs. Up to 5% business travel may be required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The role may require standing, walking, lifting and moving lab materials or samples, handling refrigerated or frozen materials, collecting or dropping off shipments, and working in a food R&D laboratory environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Total Rewards

• Base Salary: $58,000 - $66,000, non-exempt, overtime eligible
• Bonus Opportunity: 5%
• 4% match on 401k
• PTO, Medical, Dental and Vision coverage from Day One

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Bel Brands also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brand’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Bel Brands is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation or assistance in using the website, please call 312-462-1500.

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