Temporary R&D Technician

TITLE: Temporary R&D Technician

LOCATION: Onsite in Springdale, AR

COMPENSATION: $20/hour
This role is not eligible for benefits.

Griffith Foods is hiring a temporary worker in our Product Development team within R&D to support sample preparation and/or packaging of dry blends and finished products for shipment; management of raw materials inventory and laboratory supplies, and documentation of R&D tests, experiments and related project work and record keeping. This may be a great opportunity for a university student interested in pursuing a career in food science.

This is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience in food science & product development, including hands-on lab work at a food company. A key focus will be supporting the development of seasonings and coatings for application within the protein foods segment.

You will work under the direct supervision of Sr. R&D Manager and/or Sr. Application Technician and have the ability to lead projects and work with Applications Technicians, Product Development Scientists, Sample Department staff, Culinary, Marketing and Sales.

As a Temporary R&D Technician, your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing both sample blends and samples of finished products for internal and external review.

• Conducting internal product cuttings.

• Updating laboratory logs/records.

• Maintaining inventory of raw material.

• Cleaning and sanitizing workstations, equipment, dishes, cooking vessels and surrounding area; as well as laboratory food preparation equipment.

• Conducting routine monitoring, calibration and documentation of laboratory scales, laboratory equipment, food storage equipment, pest control devices/services and safety equipment.

• Providing feedback to R&D Team on any operational issue or troubleshooting on blends or finished samples produced.

• Shipping samples to customers.

• Preparing and packages material shipments.

• Procuring materials from outside vendors/merchants using the Griffith ordering system.

• Executing data entry and documentation in multiple GFUS IT systems.

• Adhering to all department procedures, GLP's and GMP's.

The Temporary R&D Technician position is well-suited for you if you:

• Can apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form.

• Have strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to work through problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

• Have high attention to detail and ability to work with large datasets (e.g., Excel).

• Present strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Are comfortable working in a cross-functional and global environment.

• Are proactive, curious, and eager to learn, with a structured and problem-solving mindset.

Qualified candidates will have:

• Current enrollment in a bachelor's or master's degree program in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry or related technical degree, or a related field.

• An anticipated graduation date of December 2026 or beyond.

• Availability to work 32-40 hours/week for 8 weeks during Summer 2026 (mid-June through mid-August).

• Familiarity with laboratory scales, laboratory equipment & food storage equipment.

• The ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

• The ability to taste and work with foods and food ingredients that are identified as allergens.

• Strong communication and writing skills.

• Housing available within a commutable distance of Springdale, AR. Housing support is not available.

• Willingness to work onsite in Springdale, AR daily.

Candidates must currently possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. This role is not available under OPT or CPT, and work visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

What will set you apart:

• Availability to work 32-40 hours/week between mid-August and October 1, 2026.

• Current status as a junior / rising senior in an undergraduate program OR a candidate for a master's degree.

• Previous internship, campus leadership, or project experience in food science or related area.

This role is not eligible for benefits.

At Griffith Foods, you can be a member of a globally connected team that is known for true, collaborative innovation, guided by our purpose to Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish The World. We are a family-owned business, founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA. Our product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet.

At Griffith Foods, we aim to create a regenerative future and build food systems that are sustainable and resilient for both people and the planet. A sustainable supply chain enables us to deliver high-quality products in a way that supports the growers and farming communities.

Learn more about us at https://griffithfoods.com/careers/