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Cocoa Science Lab Research Associate

Spectraforce Technologies

United States, Pennsylvania, Hershey

Apr 02, 2026

Job Title: Cocoa Science Lab Research Associate

Location: Hershey, PA (onsite Mon-Fri)

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.

Main Duties:

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.