Research Associate, Research Assistant​/Associate, Research Scientist

Research Associate

The Research Associate conducts basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment. This role focuses on supporting laboratory studies, maintaining high-quality data and documentation, and contributing to application and shelf-life projects that help improve product quality and safety. The position offers the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art research facility and support innovative food technology initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry as part of an R&D team.
• Perform routine microbiology laboratory activities, including plating, meat plating, culture preparation, and sterilization of materials and equipment.
• Assist with application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and execution of product trials for food technologies.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and organized laboratory records, including lab notebooks and Excel-based data logs.
• Support daily lab operations to ensure experiments run smoothly and timelines are met.
• Ensure general lab maintenance, including cleanliness, organization, and readiness of equipment and supplies.
• Follow established sterile techniques and good laboratory practices to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists, Customer Lab Services teams, and other internal stakeholders to support project goals.
• Handle laboratory materials and chemicals safely, adhering to all safety protocols and using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Lift and move bags and solvent containers (approximately 30–40 lbs) as needed to support laboratory activities.
• Use computers and software tools to record, analyze, and report experimental data.
• Contribute to a productive, team-oriented research environment by communicating clearly and supporting colleagues as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Previous hands-on microbiology laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in sterile techniques to prevent contamination during experiments.
• Experience with microbiological plating methods, including meat plating.
• Ability to perform culture preparation and related microbiology procedures.
• Competence in maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and digital data logs (e.g., Excel).
• Ability to safely handle chemicals and follow laboratory safety protocols.
• Capability to lift and carry 30–40 lbs and to stand for long periods while working at the lab bench.
• Ability to walk, twist, bend, sit, squat, and reach as required for laboratory tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a food science or food technology laboratory environment is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with shelf-life studies, application trials, and product evaluation in food systems.
• Comfort working in a bio/chemical manufacturing facility and following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and quality.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including customer laboratory services.
• Adaptability to support new product launches and evolving project needs.
• Interest in contributing to research that improves product quality, safety, and shelf life.

Work Environment

This role is based in an R&D laboratory within a modern, state-of-the-art facility. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (40 hours per week). The position begins as a 6-month contract supporting a new product launch, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a full-time role depending on project needs, though this is not guaranteed.

The work takes place primarily at the lab bench with moderate computer use and occasional lifting of 30–40 lb bags or 20-liter solvent containers. The environment is a typical laboratory setting with ambient room temperature, good ventilation, bright lighting, and low background noise, consistent with normal conditions for a bio/chemical manufacturing facility. Frequent exposure…