Senior Research Associate - Biochemistry

Overview

Kemin Industries is seeking a Senior Research Associate! In this role, you will play a key hands on role in all feed enzyme projects, including the design, execution, and analysis of experiments. The successful candidate will be a creative, flexible, highly motivated contributor, excited to play a role in discovering, and optimizing, enzyme technologies for feed application.

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 around the world.    

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

• Candidate is expected to elucidate assays for new enzymes/modify and validate existing methods, and perform enzyme characterization, in vitro and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Planning and execution of hands-on laboratory research, including procurement and preparation of materials, execution of experiments and procedures to support projects.
• Documenting procedures and results in laboratory notebooks, digital lab management systems
• Providing high-quality data and performing primary analysis of data.
• Communication of results and actively participate in group meetings
• Be able to work independently and in a fast-paced environment to meet project timelines 
• Write experimental protocols and publish internal and external research articles
• Actively participate in identifying new research areas

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: 
  • Masters in Biochemistry, Biological chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field with 1 years of practical lab experience in industry or academic/institute R&D OR
  • Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of related experience
• This position may be hired at a higher or lower level commensurate with experience.
• Experience in biochemical techniques (protein quantification, SDS-PAGE gel, enzyme assays)
• Analyze experimental data, draw conclusions, and provide input for further research goals.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities are required, along with the desire to work both independently (self-starter) and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Active participation in teams to execute workflows and advance project goals
• Experience dealing with various lab equipment
• Statistical data analysis skills (SAS, StatGraphics, or comparable program) is preferred
• Design experiments to test hypotheses
• Effective team player, able to deliver high-quality results under tight timelines
• Ability to quickly learn and understand new methods.
• Ability to work in a continually changing environment
• Motivated and creative with strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Good record-keeping and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

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.   

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