Part-Time Research Associate

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Prairie AquaTech, LLC (dba. Houdek) is a technology company based in Brookings, South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high quality feed ingredients and the solutions they enable. Using patented technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading plant-based commodities, such as soybean meal and distillers' grain, to sustainable, high-quality ingredients and their applications for use in aquaculture and other specialty animal feeds.

The Research Associate will assist with a variety of experiments and tests under the supervision of the Vice President of Technology and Project Leader(s). Specific areas of work will include typical daily laboratory tasks in R&D and Manufacturing, analytical instrumentation routine care, experimental setup, execution, and data recording. The R&D work will focus on carrying out experimental designs and assisting in data collection and analysis related to chemical and biological tasks.

Responsibilities

• Alignment with company culture, mission, and vision.
• Chromatography: Sample preparation, loading, and running.
• Protein Chemistry: Prepare samples and run them internally on LECO, SDS-PAGE, etc.
• Feedstock Composition Chemistry (fat, fiber, ash, phytic acid, etc.)
• Fiber: Familiarity with crude fiber, NDF, and ADF and methods to differentiate.
• QT-PCR extraction and analysis.
• Assays & Enzymes: Ability to perform assays for quantifying protein and sugar metabolism.
• Operating and maintaining lab equipment, as well as analytical instruments
• Setting up and executing experiments (both chemical and microbiological in nature) in alignment with experimental protocols, sample tables, and standard operating procedures.
• Producing and effectively communicating reliable and precise data to support R&D and manufacturing operations.
• Recording laboratory data in accordance with the company's policy.
• Make and record observations, perform calculations, and collect and prepare data for evaluation by the team on a weekly basis.
• Conduct support functions with team members such as stocking and distributing supplies and equipment.
• Carry out all laboratory functions in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices, all Company Policies and Procedures as well as applicable regulatory standards.
• Additional responsibilities will include assisting with laboratory purchasing, developing and maintaining inventories of chemicals and supplies, and waste management.
• Support in updating standard operating procedures, execution protocols, sample tables, etc.
• Executing and documenting tasks related to the quality log.
• Maintain a clean working environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Pursuing a bachelor's Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field of study.
• Experience performing laboratory testing, sample collection, and analyses.
• Scientific, yet practical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong understanding of scientific methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work on cross-functional teams and to prioritize and manage multiple demands

Preferred Qualifications:

• Sterile fermentation experience.
• Knowledge of amino acid chemistry, protein dispersibility index, and molecular weight distribution. Previous experience with SDS-PAGE.
• 2 years of industry experience operating and maintaining lab equipment and analytical equipment
• Familiarity with carbohydrates and proteases.
• Mass Balance: Strong understanding of mass balance.

Job Location: Brookings, SD