Bioinformatics Associate Scientist

Overview

Kemin is looking for a highly motivated, organized, and independent person to join the enzyme technology team! This person will act as a liaison working collaboratively with other Kemin business units; responsible to develop, implement, and mine microorganism collection. The Bioinformatics Associate Scientist is responsible for leading R&D projects, performing literature reviews, participate in the evaluation of intellectual property, and participate in external research collaborations.

We Are Kemin 

We are visionaries who see things differently and are inspired by the world around us.  

We have been dedicated to using applied science to improve the quality of life for over half a century.   

We are a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services.  

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products to customers in more than 120 countries.   

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.

As a Kemin team member, you’ll receive…  

• A competitive financial package- in addition to your salary, we offer an uncapped bonus opportunity, 401k match program, and paid vacation and holidays. 
• Robust health and wellness support- we are proud to offer a fitness reimbursement (for your whole family!), an on-site fitness center, restaurant with seasonal fresh food options (and the ability to order food to bring home), and free fresh fruit in break areas- to name a few.  
• Continued learning opportunities- Kemin offers tuition reimbursement and recently launched a new corporate university with online and in-person training opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.  
• The chance to give back to our world- Through our foundation of servant leadership, we are proud to offer ample service opportunities, including paid time off to do so. Kemin has a valued corporate partnership with both The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, in addition to many local initiatives. 
• Opportunities to support our valued educators- Kemin is a proud sponsor of the Iowa Governor's Stem Advisory Council where we fund annual teacher's awards. In addition, we have a robust internship and externship program, and frequently host student tours. 

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects with regular supervision.
• Collaborate with team members (globally) to collect current strain and genomic sequencing information.
• Perform literature reviews and incorporating into research strategies.
• Participate in external research collaborations, with management.
• Identify and implement bioinformatic software to create a searchable database for Kemin’s microorganism collection.
• Identify and implement analysis pipelines and applications to make genomics results available internally.
• Actively identify and lead research areas that could lead to new product development or process improvement, with minimal supervision.
• Independently develop SOPs, research protocols, and research methods.
• Develop new software applications OR customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
• Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Independently perform advanced data analysis and interpretation, including statistical analysis.
• Independently perform laboratory experiments (plan, execute, analyze, and interpret results).
• Analyze large molecular datasets, such as genomic sequence and gene expression data, for research purposes.
• Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, and gene function determination.
• Collaborate with others in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software or creating applications for developed workflows.
• Communicate and contribute genomic results as a co-author through conference presentations, scientific publications, and project reports.
• Generate scientific publications used for internal or external purposes, with management review.
• Prepare and present research reports in multiple formats for both internal and external audiences.
• Review internal publications.
• Must adhere to laboratory standard operating procedures, documentation and guidelines.
• Troubleshoot issues with laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Manage and mentor direct reports to reach goals.

Qualifications

• PhD with 0-2 years of relevant experience in scientific or engineering field.
• Master’s Degree with 4 years of relevant experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, or relevant field.
• Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years of relevant experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, or relevant field
• Familiarity with common genomic portals/databases (e.g. GenBank, EMBL, UCSC, etc)
• Hands-on experience generating and analyzing next-generation sequencing data.
• Proficiency in Conda, Unix/Linux, Python, R, and SQL.
• Additional skills (ideal but not required): wet lab experience: aseptic technique, culturing bacteria, microscopy
• Must have a solid understanding and adherence to the Servant Leadership philosophy
• Detail oriented, organized, prioritization skills, and motivated by accomplishment.
• Must be able to work independently and have the ability to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment
• Ability to interact well with others in a team environment.
• Strong experimental design and problem solving skills.
• Good written and oral communication skills, suitable for external presentations.
• Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Ability to understand and perform basic statistical analysis
• Analytical lab skills.
• Ability to maintain instruments.
• Excellent Scientific skills in experiment design and data collection.
• Scientific curiosity and innovation.
• Handle multiple projects efficiently.
• Reliable and self-motivated.
• Good project management skills.
• Ability to apply knowledge quickly to projects.
• Fluent in English

As a condition of employment, Kemin will require you to provide documentation showing you have received a COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated. Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodation will be considered. 

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.