R&D Senior Scientist

Pace Analytical Services•Fort Dodge, IA

About The Position

This lab-based R&D role assists with designing and executing studies involving process development for in ovo viral propagation. The position offers the opportunity to apply technical and practical principles across the innovation cycle, supporting the development, validation, and licensure of vaccine products. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and compensation is $27.00–$35.00 per hour.

Requirements

Master’s degree with 2–4 years of industry experience, or a Ph.D., in Virology, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
Hands-on experience with in ovo techniques, embryonated egg inoculation, viral propagation, or vaccine development activities.
Expertise in infectious disease, virology, microbiology, or related biological research applications, including work with biohazardous organisms.
Knowledge of BSL-2 laboratory environments and aseptic techniques for maintaining a clean laboratory environment.
Experience with method development in a GMP/GLP laboratory environment.
Applied knowledge of experimental design, execution, and interpretation of biological studies.
Proficiency in pipetting, sample preparation, and biological and infectious material handling in accordance with laboratory safety procedures.
Demonstrated expertise in analyzing complex data sets and drawing data-driven conclusions.
Proven contributions to technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, protocols, and study documentation.
Experience operating, maintaining, and performing basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, technical curiosity, and learning agility.
Ability to work independently and collaborate within cross-functional teams.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting and presenting technical data.
Strong organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to vaccine, biologics, or animal health research programs.
Familiarity with downstream processing techniques and related equipment.
Experience leading research projects or mentoring junior scientists and research associates.
Publication record in relevant scientific fields.

Responsibilities

Independently perform experimental work involving in ovo viral propagation, including inoculation of embryonated eggs and virus harvest procedures.
Perform laboratory activities requiring accurate, precise, and reproducible pipetting, sample preparation, and biological material handling.
Apply aseptic techniques during virus propagation, sample processing, media preparation, and related laboratory activities.
Conduct work with infectious agents in accordance with BSL-2 safety requirements, laboratory procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
Generate methods for technical activities under the guidance of a qualified scientist.
Adapt to new procedures and evolving project needs in a dynamic R&D environment.
Organize, interpret, and present experimental data; identify atypical results or deviations; and contribute to investigations, technical reports, and process improvements.
Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to share key learnings that advance portfolio projects and support innovation.
Support the training and development of laboratory personnel under the guidance of senior scientists.
Operate and perform basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment relevant to assigned work.
Accurately document work in batch records, laboratory notebooks, and/or electronic laboratory notebooks.
Maintain a clean, compliant, and organized laboratory work environment while promoting safe laboratory practices.
Contribute to a collaborative team environment and maintain a positive, adaptable attitude.