Customer Laboratory Services (CLS) Associate

Kemin•Des Moines, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Kemin Industries is looking for a Customer Laboratory Services Associate (CLS) to join the Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health (KANA) business unit! The CLS role combines customer sample testing with applied microbiology research in a collaborative laboratory environment. This position is responsible for processing and analyzing customer samples using microbiological techniques such as pour plating, serial dilutions, PCR, and mold and yeast detection while adhering to aseptic and BSL-2 laboratory practices. The individual will also partner with Senior Microbiologists on research initiatives, including method development, SOP creation, and technical documentation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and contributing to scientific innovation. Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives! We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come. We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines. We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology (or other relevant scientific discipline), with a focus on Microbiology and 1-3 years of applicable laboratory experience.
Demonstrated skills in aseptic technique, media preparation, autoclave procedures and pour-plate methodology.
Experience handling BSL2 microbes and associated safety equipment and procedures.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, detail oriented.
Excellent written and communication skills and the ability to interact well with others in a team environment.
Advanced PC skills.
Ability to learn and adapt in all areas.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Microsoft Access is preferred.

Responsibilities

Execution of CLS procedures for the receipt, chain-of-custody and reporting of microbiological results for customer samples.
Execution of CLS procedures for the microbiological analysis of customer samples.
Participation in the development and translation of new microbiology procedures.
Prioritization of analyses to meet CLS target turnaround time of 95% of projects completed on time.
Participation in development of protocols to demonstrate efficacy of products in customer applications.
Preparation of CLS reports, and contribution to preparation of trial documents and technical literature as needed.
Review of CLS procedures to ensure their accuracy and applicability.

Benefits

Competitive salary
Uncapped bonus opportunities
401k match program
Generous paid vacation and holidays
Fitness reimbursement for the whole family
Access to an on-site fitness center
A restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options
Free fresh fruit in break areas
Opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career
In-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online
Tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits
Paid time off for service
Partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity
Local community initiatives