R&D Research Associate

Louis Dreyfus Company • Livermore, CA

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

We’re looking for a Research Associate to join our R&D team and play a hands-on role in developing next-generation plant protein solutions. This is a great opportunity to work at the intersection of biotechnology, food science, and commercial application, helping translate research into real-world impact. You’ll be part of a collaborative team driving innovation from bench-scale experiments through pilot-scale development, contributing directly to how plant-based products are produced and used.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or related field OR Master’s degree in the above fields, with 1+ years of experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines.
• Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Basic lab experience
• 2-4 years of previous job experience in a biotech or food tech industry is preferred.
• A genuine desire to work in plant-based ingredients and food space.
• Knowledge of basic protein chemistry and their extraction techniques, basic proximate characterization techniques.
• Understanding of QA/QC, microbial safety, and sensory properties of proteins and food products.
• Know-how in methods to characterize plant proteins and it’s use thereof in food and beverage systems using analytical methods such as rheology, texture analysis, particle size, SDS-PAGE etc., is preferred.
• Use of data visualization software (Power BI including), Microsoft office, LIMS is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic biotechnology experiments and collect and record/ document research data in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Plan, manage, execute plant protein research from bench to pilot scale following established procedures and protocols.
• Develop novel extraction techniques for plant proteins extraction.
• Active collaboration with product development, process engineering, and analytics to ensure the timely deliverables.
• Apply learning from patent landscape and public research to short, mid and long term in-house and external partner collaborative projects.
• Coordinate with scientists & senior scientists in generating innovative methods of plant proteins isolation and characterization process, and convert them into successful experimental plan and execution.
• Operating equipment’s to characterize proximate and functionality of a variety of plant protein sources.
• Data visualization and statistical analysis of experimental results as well as interpreting and communicating the finding of R&D team to the business unit.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
• 401k with Company Match
• Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level