Job Title: Research ScientistJob Description The Scientist within the Sweets & Refreshment Product Development R&D Team plays a crucial role in supporting high complexity initiatives, leading workstreams within larger projects, and managing low complexity initiatives with appropriate support. This position requires varying levels of autonomy depending on the workstream. The Scientist is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food and safety protocols in both the lab and pilot plant. Tasks may be performed independently or under minimal supervision and often involve repetitive tasks on a daily or weekly basis. The Scientist is expected to develop trial plans, create test protocols, document results and conclusions in reports, and present findings with recommended next steps. Responsibilities + Assist other scientists on high complexity initiatives. + Lead workstreams within larger initiatives. + Manage low complexity initiatives with support. + Maintain compliance with all GMPs and safety protocols. + Create trial plans and test protocols. + Write detailed reports capturing results and conclusions. + Present findings and recommend next steps for further work. Essential Skills + Experience in research and development. + Proficiency in laboratory operations. + Knowledge of food safety and food science. + Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering-related field. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience with food-related work, specifically in hard candy and gummies technology. + Experience in chocolate or food manufacturing is a plus. + Ability to develop and execute designed experiments on pilot scale equipment. + Well-developed oral and written communication skills. + Ability to handle allergens including dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs, and other food ingredient chemicals while wearing appropriate PPE. Work Environment The work environment includes a Monday to Friday, first-shift schedule. Tasks are performed in laboratories, pilot plants, at desks, in working meetings, and in manufacturing facilities for tests and trials. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Hershey, PA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $36.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Hershey,PA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 13, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: + Hiring diverse talent + Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection + Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes + Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.