Research Associate, Research Assistant​/Associate, Microbiology

Research Associate

The Research Associate conducts basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment. This role supports a new product launch by performing hands-on laboratory work, maintaining precise records, and contributing to daily lab operations. The position plays a key part in application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and trial execution while helping maintain a safe, efficient, and well-organized research laboratory.

• Conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry as part of a research and development team.
• Perform routine microbiology techniques, including plating, culture preparation, and meat plating to support ongoing projects.
• Execute application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and product trials in alignment with project plans and timelines.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records, including lab notebooks and Excel-based data logs, to ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Support daily laboratory operations such as preparing media and reagents, sterilizing equipment, and organizing work spaces.
• Ensure general lab maintenance by monitoring supplies, maintaining cleanliness, and following standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate closely with the microbiology team and Customer Lab Services (CLS) team to coordinate experiments and share results.
• Follow sterile techniques and good laboratory practices to prevent contamination and ensure high-quality experimental outcomes.
• Handle chemicals, solvents, and biological materials safely in accordance with established safety protocols and PPE requirements.
• Contribute to a productive, team-oriented research environment by communicating clearly, sharing findings, and supporting colleagues as needed.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of trials related to new product launches in food technologies.
• Use computer applications, including spreadsheets, to analyze, organize, and report experimental data.

• Previous hands-on microbiology laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in microbiology techniques such as plating, culture preparation, and sterile techniques.
• Experience with meat plating in a microbiology or food science context (highly preferred).
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and Excel data logs.
• Knowledge of basic and applied microbiology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, food science, or biotechnology.
• Capability to follow laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Ability to lift 30–40 lb bags or 20-liter cans of solvents on occasion and carry them short distances.
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform tasks that involve walking, twisting, bending, sitting, squatting, and reaching.
• Competence in using computers for data entry, analysis, and documentation.

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Interest in food technologies, shelf-life extension, and pathogen control applications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality laboratory data.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment, including R&D and customer lab services.
• Willingness to support a time-bound project with potential for extension based on project needs and progress.

This role is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position begins as a six-month contract supporting a new product launch in food technologies, with the possibility of extension or conversion depending on project needs, though this is not guaranteed. The role is based in a state-of-the-art research and development facility that offers modern amenities such as an on-site cafeteria, coffee options, and a gym on campus.

The laboratory environment is a typical bio/chemical manufacturing setting with ambient room temperature, good ventilation, bright lighting, and low background noise, involving both standing and sitting at the bench…