Research Associate, Research Assistant​/Associate, Research Scientist

Job Title:

Research Associate

Job Description

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…