Research Technician II

Job Overview

The Research Technician II supports the overall Research & Development program’s technical needs relative to coordination of research trials, sample requests, data and report management, and the execution of technical related activities. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - This is a Salary Non-exempt job

Maintains Departmental Technical Documentation.  Maintains and updates Protocols, Reference and Training Documents, and Standard Operating Procedures.  

Enters and manages data and reports. Inputs test and sample results into various systems. Compiles, sorts and verifies accuracy of data to be entered. Conducts required evaluations. Manages information including editing, creating, manipulating, entering and retrieving data from databases. Creates reports to communicate information to related departments. 

Coordinates product testing programs.  Creates the submission of research requests with the laboratory or animal testing facilities, coordinates trials associated with sensory, palatability, digestibility, shelf life and related technical research.  Authors or contributes to technical proposals, summaries, presentations, and project reports.  Validates study scope and execution, with final coordination of data and report management. 

Bench top prototyping.  Assists with the experimentation of new products, formulations, ingredient research and new technologies. Creates prototype samples for both internal and external initiatives. Makes determinations using predetermined processes and procedures, documents test methodology, observations and results, and distributes to appropriate parties.  

Product and Process technical support.  Assists the product development and process improvement team with in-plant testing support, data and sample collection. Demonstrates an understanding of plant production processes.  Keeps abreast on current test and experimentation schedules. 

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization. 

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. 

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position. 

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print.  Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Team Members via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail.  May present information to small or large groups.  Must be able to work in various temperatures.  Moves about in a manufacturing environment, kitchen environment, office environment, and surrounding property.  Lifts heavy boxes, equipment or other required objects (up to 50 lbs.) as needed. Will use laboratory/kitchen/cooking equipment.   

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  As needed in required environment. 

Travel: Travel is very limited, domestically to and from facilities or work-sites. 

Technical Experience: Must have excellent math skills for critical measurement. Strong organizational, analytical, math and written and verbal communication skills are a must. Computer skills including functional knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and Gmail. Must be comfortable working with pilot plant and laboratory equipment. 

Industry Experience: Preference for feed ingredient or food processing organization. 

Minimum Education: College diploma in math or science preferred, or three years in a research technical role.   

Preferred Education: College degree in Biology, Animal Science, Food Science.