Innovation Lab Assistant Jobs

Description
Congo Brands:
Congo Brands is at the epicenter of where consumer demand meets product development. Through brand partnerships with lead influencers, we are afforded an inside look at what consumers truly desire. E-commerce becomes the laboratory for consumer feedback and serves as a data pool for future retail endeavors.
Congo Brands is a health and wellness brand that sells supplements, fitness snacks, hydration drinks, energy drinks, and many more through ecommerce and retail partnerships. Congo Brands houses some of the World’s most noted brands including Alani Nu, Prime Hydration, Prime Energy, and 3D Energy only to include more within in the coming years. Congo Brands is on pace to become one of the World’s most noted consumer product brand companies, with revenue growth increasing exponentially year over year. Congo Brand’s goal is to be the go-to ‘Better for You Brand’ for everything from nutritional supplements, energy drinks, snacks and much more.
The Role:
As an Innovation Lab Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the expansion of Congo Brands within the Beverage, Nutrition, and Personal Care sectors. As an enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual, you will play a key role in conducting hands-on technical tasks within the innovation lab, contributing to the realization of cutting-edge products. You will collaborate with the innovation specialist to drive the development of innovative Ready-to-Drink (RTD) hydration and energy beverages, better-for-you snacks, and fitness supplements including powders and stick packs. Your responsibilities will extend to sample management, feedback analysis, collaboration with various teams, and adherence to industry regulations, contributing to the realization of our products' full potential.
In addition to technical expertise, this role demands a personal interest in new food and beverage trends and a passion for staying informed about market dynamics.
Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake any additional duties as required to contribute to the success of the innovation team.
• Assist in the technical development of new and existing products within the Congo Brands portfolio, including notable brands like Alani Nu, Prime Hydration, 3D energy, and more.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of food safety and labeling regulations, both domestic and international, to guarantee compliance and quality. Uphold stringent standards for product quality, safety, and efficacy, ensuring that all products meet the highest industry benchmarks.
• Manage, organize, and ship samples to internal and external stakeholders, tracking feedback and revisions in line with innovation goals. Maintain thorough and organized records of product sample data, test results, and feedback, contributing to product analysis, interpretation, and improvement.
• Assist in the scheduling, coordination, and organization of meetings, samplings, presentations, and workshops relevant to innovation projects.
• Organize, execute, and track innovation projects related to RTD, snacks, powder, and supplement categories.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Management, Quality Assurance, External Manufacturing, Regulatory, Planning, and Creative teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Conduct frequent internal product sampling and sensory testing panels and contribute to the expansion to external sensory panels, providing valuable insights for the refinement of product offerings.
• Collaborate with the Innovation Specialist to foster partnerships with manufacturers, regulators, suppliers, and testing laboratories, contributing to the development of groundbreaking products.

Key Skills and Experience Required:

• Physical capability to lift up to 50 pounds daily.
• Education: Hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fields demonstrating a strong foundation in relevant scientific and innovation principles.
• Experience: Entry-level role, with 0-1 years of experience in Laboratory or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Innovation background preferred, especially within the food and beverage industry.
• A team player with the ability to work independently and contribute positively to group dynamics in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills, ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• Familiarity with NetSuite, SmartSheets, and/or Genesis R&D/ Genesis Supplements software's and knowledge of food safety regulations and labeling requirements is a plus
• Willing and able to consume products containing caffeine, coconut, and peanuts/tree nuts for testing and evaluation purposes.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, enabling effective interaction with internal teams and external partners.

Benefits & Perks:
Competitive Salary
Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability, HSA / FSA / Dependent Care FSA
3 weeks PTO + 8 paid holidays
6 weeks paid parental leave
401(k) plan with employer match
Monthly cell phone stipend
Free product
AND MUCH MORE!