R&d Lab Technician

Job Title: Applications Specialist

Job Description

The Applications Specialist supports research and development activities by performing laboratory testing, small-scale batching, and formulation work for agricultural, lawn, turf care, and related products. This role collaborates closely with a Formulations Chemist to develop, refine, and evaluate new and existing formulations, while also providing backup support for research and quality control testing of raw materials and finished products. The position focuses on designing, conducting, and documenting product performance experiments that support analytical assessments for sales and marketing teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory tests on current formulas, new formulas, and competitor products to evaluate performance and quality.
• Carry out formulation and synthesis processes for new products and re-formulated products, including small-scale batching and junior-level formulation work.
• Use analytical equipment such as analytical balances, thermal instruments, pH measurement devices, Karl Fischer titration equipment, and other wet chemistry tools, and calibrate equipment as needed to ensure accurate results.
• Conduct raw materials testing, in-process testing, and finished product testing as required to support research, development, and quality control activities.
• Assist with the development and refinement of testing methods to improve accuracy, efficiency, and consistency of laboratory analyses.
• Design, conduct, and document product performance experiments and comparisons for use in analytical assessments by sales and marketing departments.
• Operate a wide range of laboratory and field-testing equipment to support product application studies in commercial agriculture, turf grass management, and growing media.
• Serve as a backup resource for research and quality control functions related to raw materials and finished formulation approvals.
• Document all testing data, observations, and corresponding information in a clear, accurate, and organized manner.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly laboratory environment, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Support R&D projects for multiple business units under the corporate umbrella, including agricultural and lawn/turf care product lines.
• Collaborate with chemists, lab technicians, and other team members to ensure projects progress efficiently and meet technical and quality expectations.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience in an R&D laboratory environment, including exposure to research and development projects and lab-based testing.
• Experience with small-scale batching, junior formulation, or chemical synthesis/formulation work.
• Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques and laboratory practices.
• Ability to use analytical equipment such as analytical balances, thermal instruments, pH measurement devices, Karl Fischer titration (KFT) equipment, and related laboratory instruments.
• Experience with R&D lab testing, including raw material, in-process, and finished product testing.
• Background in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Strong documentation skills with the ability to accurately record test data, methods, and results.
• Ability to follow established methods, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines in a laboratory setting.
• Comfort working under detailed, process-focused leadership and following precise instructions and standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree or coursework in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Experience as a junior formulator, formulator, or R&D lab technician.
• Exposure to product applications in commercial agriculture, turf grass management, or growing media.
• Familiarity with method development for laboratory testing.
• Interest in career growth into chemist or advanced formulation roles within an expanding organization.
• Ability to collaborate with sales and marketing teams by providing clear, data-driven experimental results.
• Strong attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset in all laboratory activities.

Work Environment

The role is based in a brand-new building with a newly built laboratory that serves as the global manufacturing site for agro and lawn/turf products. The lab supports multiple business units and handles R&D projects and formulation work across agricultural and turf care applications. You will work alongside approximately eight to ten other lab technicians, chemists, and technical staff in a collaborative laboratory environment that uses a wide range of analytical and field-testing equipment. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with a start time around 7:00 or 8:00 a.m., totaling approximately 40 to 45 hours per week. The leadership style in this environment is highly detail-oriented and process-driven, with close oversight and a strong emphasis on doing work correctly and consistently. This setting offers opportunities for career growth within the lab and potential progression into chemist roles as the company continues to expand.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kenosha, WI.

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $33.65/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Kenosha,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

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.