Laboratory Associate

Flinn Scientific is seeking a motivated Laboratory Associate with a Bachelors in Chemistry (or related field) to support our product development and science education business. This is an entry-level, hands-on laboratory role ideal for a recent graduate looking to build practical lab experience while gaining exposure to product management, merchandising, and go-to-market processes. In this role, you will support product testing, quality evaluation, and new product validation, while helping maintain an organized and efficient laboratory environment. You'll work closely with the Director of Product Management and cross-functional partners to ensure products are tested, documented, and ready for market. Flinn offers a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your contributions directly impact product decisions and customer experience. This role is designed to grow over time through hands-on experience, mentorship, and increasing responsibility. Responsibilities Support hands-on product testing and evaluation in partnership with the Director of Product Management Conduct basic quality analyses/control on new and existing products, chemicals, and laboratory materials Accurately document testing procedures, observations, and results to support product decisions Maintain an organized and compliant laboratory environment, including inventory tracking, labeling, and storage Receive, log, and manage incoming chemical and product inventory Assist with product comparisons, validation testing, and usability evaluations Prepare, pack, and coordinate materials for trade shows, samples, and internal needs Follow all laboratory safety procedures and chemical handling guidelines Collaborate with product management, marketing, and merchandising teams to support product readiness Participate in cross-functional training across merchandising and product development with the goal of owning and managing product categories Develop and document laboratory procedures ("labs") to support product testing, training, and standardization What Success Looks Like Demonstrates strong work ethic, reliability, and a proactive approach to supporting team objectives Executes product testing and documentation accurately and on time Maintains organized, compliant lab environment with reliable inventory tracking Supports product evaluations that inform go-to-market decisions Demonstrates ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal oversight Builds foundational knowledge across product development, merchandising, and marketing. B.A. or B.S. in Chemistry or a closely related scientific field. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Comfort working hands-on in a laboratory environment. Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively. Clear written and verbal communication skills Interest in science education, product development, or applied chemistry. Undergraduate research, internship, or laboratory experience preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required, with strong emphasis on Excel for data tracking and analysis

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based 100% onsite at our headquarters in Batavia, Illinois. The role operates across office, laboratory, and warehouse-adjacent environments, supporting both lab and operational activities. The primary workspace includes a shared office and laboratory setting with regular team interaction and ambient noise from nearby equipment and warehouse operations. Comfort working in an active, collaborative environment is essential. This role requires regular computer use, hands-on laboratory work, and ongoing communication with cross-functional teams. Attendance and punctuality are essential for success in this role. This is a hands-on, onsite position that supports daily laboratory operations, and consistent, reliable presence during scheduled working hours is required. The role is not designed for flexible or asynchronous work, and responsibilities must be performed in real time to support team and business needs. Occasional flexibility in schedule may be needed to support business priorities and project timelines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks, as well as stand and move throughout the workday within office, laboratory, and warehouse spaces. The position involves hands-on laboratory work, including handling chemicals and materials in accordance with safety guidelines. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. The individual must be able to access and navigate all areas of the facility to support day-to-day responsibilities.

How We Work:

The Flinn Formula Success at Flinn isn't just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it. Our cultural framework, the Flinn Formula, defines the behaviors that fuel our transformation:

Solution-Oriented:

You don't just flag problems — you propose paths forward.

Curious:

You ask "why" and "what if," pushing for smarter ways to work.

Customer-Obsessed:

You keep educators and students at the heart of every decision.

Collaborative:

You bring people together, even when perspectives differ.

Resilient :

You stay steady and push through challenges with urgency and grit.

Invested:

You own outcomes, follow through, and hold others to the same standard. These behaviors are not aspirational - they are core expectations. Consistent misalignment with the Flinn Formula is considered a performance issue.