R&D Technician - Product Development

R&D Technician - Product Development (Project Management)

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented R&D Technician to support product development using microbiology, molecular biology, and/or virology and cell culture techniques. This is a tiered position, meaning the final level (Tech I, Tech II, or Tech III/Senior Tech) will be determined based on the candidate’s education, experience, and demonstrated competencies.

What can I expect in this role? This is a full‑time position working Monday‑Friday from 8 am–5 pm.

• Assist with development, manufacturing, and quality control (QC) of microbiology/virology and molecular products.
• Transfer research findings and product details to other departments such as Production and QC.
• Perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantification, cloning, and nucleic acid isolation.
• Perform microbiology or cell‑culture/virology techniques including microbial culture, enumeration/titration, pathogen identification, and isolation.
• Manufacture R&D test lots and analyze biomaterial performance per protocols and DMR requirements.
• Document research activities for product design controls, validations, verifications, qualifications, and statistical analyses.
• Support product development for unique customer or contract requests outside current product lines.
• Write or revise SOPs related to R&D procedures.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams and project stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and timely production documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Education (Required for All Tiers):
  Bachelors degree in a life sciences field (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline).
• Tier Differentiation:
  • Tech I – 1 year minimum experience, requires training and oversight, executes qPCR/ddPCR validation under supervision, participates in basic lab maintenance and documentation tasks, supports production of swabs, pellets, and microorganisms.
  • Tech II – 2–3 years minimum experience, independently documents lab work, executes and reports on qPCR/ddPCR validation, manages multiple lab tasks daily, troubleshoots basic instrumentation, develops single‑/two‑analyte products under supervision.
  • Tech III – 3–5 years minimum experience, independently plans and executes qPCR/ddPCR studies and writes reports, strong grasp of scientific principles and experimental troubleshooting, mentors and trains junior staff, reprioritizes and manages tasks across multiple projects, troubleshoots both experiments and lab instruments.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• High integrity and commitment to quality and compliance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficient with standard laboratory instrumentation and software.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Microbiologics is one of the fastest growing international biotechnology companies in the nation. We are the world’s leading experts and go‑to collaborators in biological products and services, focused on protecting the health and safety of people around the world. For over 50 years, we have been partnering with healthcare and life science laboratories, manufacturers, and suppliers across the globe to co‑create and provide biological control materials, assay services and consulting for microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and virology.

Headquartered in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, we have additional facilities in California, Kentucky, and Michigan.

Our award‑winning culture is friendly, collaborative, and supportive, providing endless opportunities for individuals to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. At Microbiologics, we believe that “great vision without great people is irrelevant.” We always look for great people to join our dynamic, innovative company as we provide the highest quality biomaterials for a safer, healthier world.

We have a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, health savings account (company funded), life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, and a 401(k) program with a generous match, among others. We also support our team and their families by offering daycare assistance, tuition reimbursement, bonus potential, competitive compensation and benefits, and plenty of opportunities for training and growth.

We encourage you to apply if you have a passion for science.

#LI-CR1