Senior Research Scientist

Come Be Part of a Mission that Matters! Senior Research Scientist Molecular Assay Development & Bioinformatics LANSING, MI Location DAY SHIFT Schedule ON-SITE Work style FULL-TIME Employment

Shape the next generation of rapid pathogen detection. This role combines molecular assay development, bioinformatics, genomics, and pathogen microbiology and applied statistics to create practical nucleic acid-based solutions for foodborne pathogen detection. The Senior Research Scientist will provide hands‑on scientific and laboratory leadership, guiding work from genomic target identification and primer and probe design through assay optimization and analytical performance evaluation.

This individual will also provide the technical data and expertise needed to support verification, validation, product transfer, and commercialization in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.

At Neogen, how we work matters as much as what we accomplish. Our Neogen DNA is reflected in the way we support customers and one another: cultivating belonging, inspiring and innovating, acting with integrity, delivering on our promises, and fostering optimism.

Lead the scientific design and hands‑on laboratory development of rapid nucleic acid‑based methods for detecting and differentiating foodborne pathogens. Plan and execute laboratory studies, analyze results, troubleshoot assay performance, and use experimental findings to guide subsequent development. Use bioinformatics and genomic data to guide molecular assay design and support the development of reliable pathogen detection solutions. Integrate scientific and technical insights into customer needs to support the development of reliable and practical product solutions in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.

Strengthen internal capabilities in molecular assay development, microbiological, bioinformatics, and applied statistics capability through technical leadership and mentoring.

• Molecular assay design and development:
  Design, optimize, and troubleshoot rapid nucleic acid‑based assays for foodborne pathogen detection using relevant amplification technologies. Evaluate assay performance, controls, specificity, sensitivity, robustness, and contamination risks.
• Pathogen microbiology and laboratory execution:
  Plan and perform laboratory studies with foodborne pathogens and related organisms, including culture preparation, enrichment, inoculation, molecular testing, and interpretation of results. Design studies that account for strain diversity, food matrices, and enrichment conditions, and competitive organisms when evaluating assay performance.
• Biostatistics and experimental design:
  Apply appropriate statistical methods to study design, sampling plans, acceptance criteria, and analysis of assay performance data.
• Bioinformatics and genomics:
  Use bioinformatics tools, genomic data, and sequence‑analysis approaches to support target selection, assay design, and interpretation of factors that may influences assay performance.
• Verification and validation:
  As part of a cross‑functional team, translate product requirements and claims into protocols and evidence packages. Lead internal and support external studies supporting fit‑for‑purpose performance and, where applicable, AOAC, ISO, Micro Val, USDA‑FSIS, FDA, or other relevant pathways.
• Product realization:
  Collaborate with Product Development, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Commercial teams to advance concepts through feasibility, development, transfer, launch, and continuous improvement.
• Scientific leadership:
  Provide technical leadership, communicate scientific evidence and risk clearly, review technical work, mentor colleagues, and contribute to scientific…