Job Description
Job Title: ITQ Technologist – Analytical Lab Support
Department: Research & Development (R&D) – ITQ Pet Team
Location: Golden Valley,MN
Duration: 5+ Months Contract
Position Overview
The ITQ Pet R&D team is seeking a motivated ITQ Technologist to support innovation, renovation, and HMM initiatives across dry, wet, treat, and fresh pet food categories. This role provides critical analytical laboratory support, helping advance palatability research and ingredient technology through testing, instrumentation, and technical collaboration with scientists and cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform analytical testing including sample preparation and instrumental analysis.
- Interpret and summarize results; communicate insights to scientists and project teams.
- Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments.
- Assist in evaluating and implementing new analytical technologies.
- Develop and maintain SOPs for lab equipment and procedures.
- Champion laboratory safety standards and compliance.
- Manage assigned tasks or projects independently while collaborating across teams.
- Communicate timelines, risks, and deliverables clearly to stakeholders.
- Build internal and external partnerships to support technical execution.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree in scientific field with 2–3 years industry experience OR Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or related field.
- Hands-on analytical or food lab testing experience (pipetting, weighing, grinding, etc.).
- Ability to calculate and interpret analytical data manually.
- Comfortable operating lab equipment in a technical environment.
- Basic computer proficiency (MS Office or equivalent).
- Understanding of food and lab safety practices.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles.
- Experience with instruments such as gas chromatography.
- Interest in equipment modification and method optimization.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Results-driven mindset with strong quality focus.
- Ability to build relationships across functions and levels.