Associate Scientist – BioPharma Molecular

KCAS Bio; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock ownership program

Volunteer time off

Career development (KCAS University)

Job summary

KCAS Bio, based in Kansas City, MO, seeks an Associate Scientist to advance molecular biology work on the BioPharma Molecular team. You will apply PCR/qPCR/ddPCR, nucleic acid extraction, and cell-based assays within a GLP framework to support bioanalytical method validation and analysis.

You will contribute to SOPs, study plans, and data interpretation while maintaining rigorous documentation and collaborating with a cross‑functional team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related field with at least 4 years of experience in a scientific laboratory environment.
• Hands-on GLP-regulated lab experience and GDP knowledge.
• Experience with molecular technologies, including PCR, qPCR, and/or ddPCR.
• Experience handling DNA/RNA, including extraction and quantification.
• Experience with human blood, primary cells and/or tissues in a BSL-II lab.
• Experience with assay design, method development, validation, and sample analysis.
• Experience analyzing data, preparing summary tables, and reviewing raw data.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical and scientific challenges with critical thinking.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and collaborative team player.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate technical and scientific skills in molecular technologies (PCR, qPCR, ddPCR).
• Perform extraction and quantification of nucleic acids from diverse samples.
• Work with human blood, primary cells and tissues in a BSL-II environment.
• Plan experiments, develop/validate methods, analyze samples and interpret data.
• Assist with SOPs, study plans, and reports; maintain documentation per GDP and GLP.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

qPCR

ddPCR

Nucleic acid extraction

BSL-II handling

Data analysis

Experimental design

GDP knowledge

Communication

Troubleshooting

multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related field

Job description

Performing critical work that impacts our industry and our world's health while problem solving and innovating in the field – that is what Associate Scientists at KCAS Bio get to do every day. If that gets you excited too, then maybe working as an Associate Scientist at KCAS Bio is the role for you.

When you work as an Associate Scientist on the BioPharma Molecular team at KCAS, you get to further our mission by applying your knowledge of molecular and cell biology techniques to support the design, development, validation, and analysis of bioanalytical methods and samples. You will work with technologies such as qPCR and ddPCR and support cell-based assays within a GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) regulated laboratory environment.

Our BioPharma Molecular team provides a full range of molecular services and viral vector capabilities to support gene replacement, gene addition, gene inhibition, gene editing, and cell therapy or transplantation programs throughout drug development.

In this role, we will rely on you to:

• Demonstrate technical and scientific skills in molecular technologies, including PCR (qPCR and ddPCR) and the handling of DNA and RNA
• Perform extraction and quantification of nucleic acids from a variety of biological matrices
• Work with human blood, primary cells and tissues, and perform associated cell culture activities at the BSL-II level
• Plan and carry out assigned experiments, including method development, method validation, sample analysis, data calculation, interpretation, review, and troubleshooting
• Support the design of experiments and evaluate outcomes against current SOPs, protocols, and other applicable standards, recommending appropriate courses of action as needed
• Analyze and interpret scientific data, prepare summary tables, and review raw data for accuracy, completeness, and integrity
• Assist with the preparation and review of SOPs, study plans, and reports
• Maintain materials, equipment, and instrumentation required to support successful study execution
• Provide work instructions and technical training to more junior scientific staff as appropriate
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation in compliance with study protocols, SOPs, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and GLP regulatory requirements
• Troubleshoot technical issues, identify potential causes, and elevate complex challenges appropriately
• Manage multiple assignments and priorities while meeting established study timelines and deadlines
• Perform all aspects of the job in a way that supports company brand and supports company mission, vision, and values

To qualify specifically for this role, you will have:

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related scientific field with at least 4 years of experience in a scientific laboratory environment
• Hands-on experience working in a GLP-regulated laboratory environment and strong knowledge of Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
• Experience with molecular technologies, including PCR, qPCR, and/or ddPCR
• Experience handling DNA and RNA, including nucleic acid extraction and quantification
• Experience working with human blood, primary cells and/or tissues in a BSL-II laboratory environment
• Experience with assay design, method development, validation, and sample analysis
• Experience analyzing and interpreting data, preparing summary tables, and reviewing raw data
• Ability to troubleshoot technical and scientific challenges using sound critical-thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills
• Self-motivated, flexible, and adaptable, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

(Please note this is a representative summary of responsibilities, not a comprehensive or exclusive list of the duties to be performed in any position. Employees must follow instructions and perform additional duties as requested.)

WHO YOU ARE

You will thrive at KCAS Bio if you enjoy a relational environment, are purpose-and values-driven, embrace constant development and supportive leadership, and enjoy being part of innovative work.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Our benefits include, and extend beyond, the traditional package. At KCAS Bio, you will enjoy company sponsored events like food trucks, family days and spirit days.You will grow in your career with KCAS University.You will be able to connect with like‑minded employees to further KCAS Bio's approach to key areas such as wellness, inclusion, and community outreach.You will engage as an owner in our stock ownership program. You will have access to the latest technology. And you will be able to invest in the community with paid time off to volunteer.

WHO WE ARE

We are a fast‑growing contract research organization (CRO) headquartered in Kansas City, pioneering the latest drug development in both human and animal health fields.Demand for our expertise is growing and so is our need for great people to work in nimble, empowered teams committed to one another’s growth. At KCAS Bio, we advance both great science AND great people.

KCAS Bio is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Among other things, we provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected category; we recruit qualified candidates without regard to citizenship status based on internal processes that enable us to hire the right candidates consistent with the appropriate U.S. Immigration framework; and (3) we work with and provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Anyone who needs reasonable accommodation may send an email to [e-mail] or call 913-248-3000 (for TTY assistance call 711) and ask for Human Resources.