Associate Microbiologist

Conagra Brands; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 59,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Bonus opportunity

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Conagra Brands in Omaha, NE is seeking a Laboratory Scientist to support microbiological and molecular testing at our corporate office/lab. You will perform PCR, DNA extraction, sequencing, and other nucleic acid methods while assisting with applied research and quality initiatives.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in a related science and 1+ years of lab experience, with occasional overtime and limited travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
• 1+ years of laboratory experience in microbiology, molecular biology, food safety, or a related area.
• Experience with microbiological testing methods and molecular techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, sequencing technologies, and data interpretation.
• Ability to analyze data, follow laboratory procedures, document results, and prepare technical reports.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Occasional weekend or overtime work may be required.
• Limited travel, including occasional visits to manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological and molecular testing, including pathogen detection, spoilage organism analysis, PCR, DNA extraction, sequencing, and other nucleic acid-based methods.
• Support applied research projects such as shelf-life studies, challenge studies, method validation, and new technology implementation.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, data records, equipment calibration, and compliance with ISO 17025 and other quality requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, evaluate scientific literature, and collaborate with quality, food safety, and research teams to support business objectives.
• Assist with laboratory operations and provide guidance to laboratory technicians as needed.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology/related

Tools

PCR

DNA extraction

Sequencing technologies

Job description

Reporting to the Scientific Affairs Manager, you will support food safety, quality, and research initiatives through microbiological and molecular testing. You will perform analyses, including PCR and other genetic-based methods, while supporting applied research projects, laboratory operations, and continuous improvement activities. This role is onsite at our corporate office/lab in Omaha, Nebraska.

What You'll Do

Perform microbiological and molecular testing, including pathogen detection, spoilage organism analysis, PCR, DNA extraction, sequencing, and other nucleic acid-based methods.

Support applied research projects such as shelf-life studies, challenge studies, method validation, and new technology implementation.

Maintain laboratory documentation, data records, equipment calibration, and compliance with ISO 17025 and other quality requirements.

Prepare technical reports, evaluate scientific literature, and collaborate with quality, food safety, and research teams to support business objectives.

Assist with laboratory operations and provide guidance to laboratory technicians as needed.

What You'll Bring

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.

1+ years of laboratory experience in microbiology, molecular biology, food safety, or a related area.

Experience with microbiological testing methods and molecular techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, sequencing technologies, and data interpretation.

Ability to analyze data, follow laboratory procedures, document results, and prepare technical reports.

Strong collaboration, communication, and problem‑solving skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Occasional weekend or overtime work may be required.

Limited travel, including occasional visits to manufacturing facilities.

Physical Requirements

More information about essential tasks and the facility will be shared during the hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting these sites, the physical requirements below may apply: You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination. You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size. Manufacturing environments include large, moving equipment. Noise levels can be high, and temperatures may vary.

Days in office

5

Relocation assistance

Relocation assistance is available for this role, if applicable.

Compensation Pay Range

Compensation Pay Range:$59,000-$79,000 The annual salary listed above is the expected offering for this position. An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant experience/level and skillset, while balancing internal Conagra employees' equity. Conagra Brands will comply with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Our Benefits

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®. Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome. Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®. Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome. Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions – within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®. Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome. Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.