About the position
As a Senior Research Associate you will help our Product Development team plan and execute microbiological and biochemical assays on products and product prototypes. This role will focus on development, implementation, and data collection from assays that will lead to understanding the performance of the product. On a regular day, you will support validation of product efficacy through experimental design and set-up. You will implement mode of action protocols, collect assay data, and present results. You will identify the presence or absence of microbes, quantify microbial activity, use and maintain laboratory equipment, and work closely with the broader team in a collaborative effort to meet project goals and timelines. You will thrive in this role if you are flexible and detail-oriented, acting with precision and accuracy with strong analysis and problem-solving skills. You are proactive and dependable, a strong self-starter, independent thinker, and enjoy a team environment. You practice good laboratory procedures and are experienced in aseptic techniques for microbial growth. You have an interest in finding sustainable solutions and want to be part of a driven team to advance the mission of our work.
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute microbiological and biochemical assays on products and product prototypes.
- Support validation of product efficacy through experimental design and set-up.
- Implement mode of action protocols and collect assay data.
- Present results of assays and experiments.
- Identify the presence or absence of microbes and quantify microbial activity.
- Use and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Collaborate with the broader team to meet project goals and timelines.
Requirements
- MS in Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology, or related sciences with at least 1 year of relevant laboratory experience or BS in Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology, or related sciences with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.
- Experience with standard microbiological methods including media and plating, serial dilution, viable cell counting, microbial screening, microbial enumeration, staining, etc.
- Highly skilled and demonstrable success in designing, implementing, and analyzing fundamental molecular biology experiments including nucleic acid extraction and quantitation, gel electrophoresis and qPCR.
- Proficiency in aseptic techniques (BSL1 and BSL2) for microbial growth as well as testing.
- Proficiency in data collection, management, and presentation including experience in use of Excel and PowerPoint – experience with Prism is ideal.
- Proficiency in lab record keeping including good note taking practices – experience with electronic lab notebooks like SciNote is ideal.
- Strong critical thinking skills.
- Willingness to work in a collaborative, timeline driven environment.
