Jobs in Waldwick, NJ

R&D Scientist II – Materials / Polymer Focus (Lab-Based) - 626501

Location: Franklin Lakes, NJ (Onsite – 5 days/week)

Duration: 12-month contract (W2)

Pay Rate: ~$35.75 - $37.75/hr.

Overview

We are seeking a junior-level R&D Scientist II to join a Specimen Management R&D team, supporting the development of blood collection devices (e.g., tubes, needles, plastic components).

This role is highly lab-focused (≈50%+ hands-on testing) and ideal for candidates with a background in materials science, polymer chemistry, or chemical engineering who enjoy bench work and experimental testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct material characterization and testing, including:
• FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, and mechanical testing
• Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC) and Thermal Cycle Analysis (TCA)
• Design and execute lab experiments and test protocols
• Perform root cause investigations related to material and product failures
• Support material selection, qualification, and vendor/material changes
• Prepare samples and prototypes for internal and external testing
• Document results and provide data-driven recommendations
• Assist with small-scale material assessments and innovation efforts
• Maintain lab equipment and follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, etc.)
• Support testing involving human blood samples (training and PPE provided)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in: Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 2+ years of laboratory experience (industry or academic)
• Hands-on experience with materials testing and characterization
• Strong interest in polymer/material science (non-metal/ceramic focus)
• Comfortable working in a lab-heavy, hands-on role
• Basic knowledge of statistical tools (Excel, Minitab, etc.)
• Ability to conduct independent research and literature reviews

Preferred Qualifications

• Polymers or plastic materials (especially for medical devices)
• Material formulation or modification
• ESC, TCA, or similar testing methods
• Exposure to analytical chemistry techniques
• Experience working with biological materials or blood samples
• Background in tissue engineering or DNA-related work (nice-to-have)

Work Environment & Expectations

• 50%+ lab-based work (testing, characterization, experimentation)
• Remaining time focused on analysis, reporting, and innovation projects
• Fully onsite role (no remote option)
• No travel required
• Dynamic, fast-paced R&D environment
• Opportunity for long-term growth

Interview Process

• Initial screening with Hiring Manager
• Follow-up panel interview with project team (virtual via Teams)

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Early-career scientist with a strong materials/polymer background
• Curious, hands-on, and eager to learn
• Comfortable working independently in a lab setting
• Interested in medical device R&D and material innovation

Title: HR Generalist

Salary: $60k-70k

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision benefits, 401K Retirement Plan, Paid time off, paid Holidays, and High Performance Culture

Work Schedule: M-F 8:30am – 5:30pm

Location: Hackensack, NJ General Area

Position Type: Direct Hire or Temp to Permanent

Company Overview: Rapidly growing and one of the fastest-growing neighborhood bakery cafés in the world is in search of an HR Generalist with a strong focus on recruitment. This role is heavily focused on high-volume recruiting within the fast-casual industry, partnering closely with restaurant leadership to manage full-cycle hiring while delivering a positive, efficient candidate experience. In addition, this position supports day-to-day HR administrative functions to ensure smooth, compliant, and effective human resources operations.

Responsibilities:

• Manage full-cycle recruiting for support office exempt roles, including positions within multiple departments, Operations, Development, Marketing, and Manufacturing
• Partner closely with Hiring Managers, and leadership team to understand staffing needs and hiring priorities.
• Actively source candidates through various channels and build talent pipelines to support growing teams and ongoing hiring needs.
• Screen candidates, conduct initial interviews, and coordinate interview scheduling with hiring managers.
• Guide candidates through the hiring process, ensuring timely communication and a positive candidate experience.
• Extend verbal and written job offers and support pre-employment onboarding steps.
• Monitor hiring progress and follow up with candidates and managers to ensure timely completion of onboarding tasks.
• Maintain applicant tracking system and ensure accurate documentation and completion.

Compliance & HR Administration

• Ensure recruiting and hiring practices align with company policies and applicable labor laws.
• Support HR initiatives such as audits, reporting, and process improvements related to recruiting. Report on hiring metrics, such as speed reports including time to fill and time to hire.
• Assist with inquiries related to hiring, onboarding, and basic HR questions.
• Collaborate on staffing strategies, workforce planning, and hiring best practices.

Qualifications:

• 1–3 years of experience in recruiting, HR, or talent acquisition (hospitality or retail preferred).
• Experience with high-volume hiring and fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with excellent follow-up.
• Work with applicant tracking systems and HR platforms (Harri experience a plus).
• Ability to manage multiple openings at once while maintaining attention to detail.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a passion for connecting people to roles where they can succeed.