Oral Care Researcher I

Hours Worked: Monday through Friday, 1st shift, forty hours per week. However, must be flexible to meet the needs of the department and complete other projects as assigned. Position for temporary assignment, role guaranteed through 06/31/25. Position available for annual renewal upon review at listed end date.

Compensation Range: $21 - $24 an hour (e.g., the job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, and actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as locations, education, experience, and skillset).

Position Summary:

The Oral Care Researcher is responsible for assisting the client with sample preparation, experimental assistance, and analysis needs for determining the effect of Oral Care consumer products on dental/oral health. Artificial and/or human source tissue specimens and Oral Care products samples will routinely be prepped and analyzed using client-specific methods. Associate will prepare a variety of specimens, run client-specific methods for testing consumer health products on specimens, analyze data, and report findings to client.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support Oral Care R&D research activities
• Execute performance testing by brushing teeth specimens for abrasion and whitening (mechanical and chemical) studies
• Execute stain removal and prevention testing by treating, staining, and centrifuging powders and pastes
• Perform multiple types of imaging and analyses for various abrasion and whitening studies
• Use of precision saws and tools to cut, polish and cast in resin specimens for hard tissue testing (e.g. enamel cores, dentin chips, artificial teeth).
• Resurface used dentin and enamel specimens using an autopolisher/grinder to extend specimen life
• Sterile handling of samples and understanding of aseptic technique
• Lab upkeep, restocking supplies, safe disposal of wastes, cleaning, organizing
• Timely and accurate documentation of experimental notes, data, and results into various note booking systems (physical notebooks, logbooks, Sharepoint files, and Excel)
• Support other Oral Care research as needed, such as various panel studies. 
• Follow the guidelines set forth with clients and in the company Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Comply with clients and company management systems in accordance with appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Follows the guidelines set forth in by clients and the company Quality Manual and Safety / Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Other duties as defined by Manager, department needs and workload.

Skills & Proficiencies:

• Strong understanding of scientific principles/concepts, general laboratory skills needed, pipetting, making solutions, aseptic technique, documentation, understanding protocols/procedures, etc.
• Must have strong attention to detail and the ability to learn quickly
• Must have good customer service skills- job is client facing and performed in client laboratory
• Must be proficient in basic programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and must have experience with keeping a laboratory notebook
• Must be able to work independently and work as part of a team
• Must effectively manage the day-to-day operations of laboratory
• Computational skills, able to understand and/or learn basic mathematical equations/calculations needed to work in the lab and analyze data
• Strong adherence and vigilance in regard to job safety standards
• Adheres to company values

Education and Experience:

• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, biology or closely related field
• Previous industry experience not required
• Previous experience working in BSL-2 lab preferred but not required
• Previous experience working with or around human source tissues

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted in lieu of above.