Research Associate, Microbiology, Research Assistant​/Associate

Job Description

The Research Associate conducts applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment, supporting new product development and evaluations. This role focuses on routine microbiology testing, accurate data recording, and laboratory maintenance to support research studies, shelf-life evaluations, and product trials. The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovations that enhance food quality and safety while gaining experience in a state-of-the-art research facility.

The Research Associate conducts applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment, supporting new product development and evaluations. This role focuses on routine microbiology testing, accurate data recording, and laboratory maintenance to support research studies, shelf-life evaluations, and product trials. The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovations that enhance food quality and safety while gaining experience in a state-of-the-art research facility.

• Conduct applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry to support product development and research initiatives.
• Perform routine microbiology testing, including sample preparation, serial dilutions, plating, colony enumeration, media preparation, culture maintenance, and meat plating to support research studies and product evaluations.
• Assist with application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and trial execution for new and existing products.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and organized laboratory records, including laboratory notebooks and Excel-based data logs.
• Prepare microbiological media, reagents, and cultures according to established protocols and quality standards.
• Support pathogen testing activities and contribute to the interpretation of microbiological results for organisms such as Salmonella and
  
  E. coli.
• Ensure general lab maintenance, including cleanliness, organization, and proper storage of materials, to support a safe and productive research environment.
• Follow and uphold laboratory safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and quality requirements.
• Collaborate closely with research and development teams, including Customer Lab Services, to support ongoing projects and new product launches.
• Operate laboratory equipment and computer systems as needed to collect, analyze, and report data.
• Handle physical tasks such as lifting bags or containers (30–40 lbs) and transporting materials safely within the laboratory.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance laboratory processes, efficiency, and data quality.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Previous hands‑on microbiology laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in serial dilutions, colony counting, microbial enumeration, and interpretation of microbiological results.
• Experience preparing microbiological media, reagents, and cultures.
• Understanding of pathogen testing for organisms such as Salmonella and
  
  E. coli.
• Demonstrated ability to perform plating, including meat plating, using sterile techniques and good laboratory practices.
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including notebooks and Excel data logs.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques, assay execution, and culture preparation in a microbiology setting.
• Capability to lift and carry 30–40 lbs occasionally and stand for extended periods while working at a laboratory bench.
• Comfort working with harmful chemicals…