Sr. Research Associate - Enzymes

Overview

We're hiring! Kemin is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join our Animal Nutrition and Health team. This position will play a key hands-on role in all feed enzyme projects, including the design, execution, and analysis of experiments. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biochemistry.

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 Program 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 screening novel enzymes, and perform characterization and mechanism-of-action studies on identified candidates.
• Formulation of enzyme candidates for final products in the animal feed market.
• 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.
• 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/propose in identifying new research areas and potential new products.
• Demonstrate ability to work well in a collaborative team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • Master's Degree in Biochemistry, Biological Chemistry, or a related field with 2 years of research experience in industry.
• Hands on experience in Biochemistry
• Experience in biochemical techniques (protein quantification, SDS-PAGE gel, enzyme assays/kinetics).
• Basic experience in chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC, plate scanner)
• Statistical data analysis skills (SAS, Stat Graphics, or comparable program) is preferred
• Design of experiments to test hypotheses
• Excellent scientific skills in data collection, analysis and problem solving
• Initiative and competence to successfully drive projects to meet deadlines.
• Effective team player, and able to deliver high quality results under tight timelines
• Ability to quickly learn and understand new methods.
• Strong written and oral communication
• Ability to work in a continually changing environment

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

Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

#LI-MN1