Customer Laboratory Services (CLS) Associate

Kemin; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonus opportunities

401k match

Paid vacation

Health & wellness perks

Career development

Tuition reimbursement

Community involvement

Job summary

Kemin Industries is seeking a Customer Laboratory Services Associate (CLS) to join the Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health (KANA) unit. The CLS role blends customer sample testing with applied microbiology research in a collaborative lab setting.

Responsibilities include processing and analyzing samples using pour plating, serial dilutions, PCR, and mold/yeast detection while following aseptic and BSL-2 practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related field with emphasis on microbiology and 1–3 years of lab experience.
• Experience with aseptic technique, media prep, autoclave, and pour-plate methods.
• Experience handling BSL-2 microbes and safety equipment.
• Strong time management, attention to detail, and team collaboration.
• Proficiency with MS Access preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute CLS procedures for receipt, chain-of-custody, and reporting of microbiological results for customer samples.
• Perform microbiological analysis of customer samples.
• Help develop and translate new microbiology procedures.
• Prioritize analyses to meet CLS turnaround goal (95% on time).
• Assist in protocol development to demonstrate product efficacy in customer applications.
• Prepare CLS reports and contribute to trial documents and literature.
• Review CLS procedures for accuracy and applicability.

Skills

Aseptic technique

Media preparation

Autoclave procedures

Pour-plate methodology

MS Access (adv)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Access

Job description

Kemin Industries is looking for a Customer Laboratory Services Associate (CLS) to join the Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health (KANA) business unit! The CLS role combines customer sample testing with applied microbiology research in a collaborative laboratory environment. This position is responsible for processing and analyzing customer samples using microbiological techniques such as pour plating, serial dilutions, PCR, and mold and yeast detection while adhering to aseptic and BSL-2 laboratory practices. The individual will also partner with Senior Microbiologists on research initiatives, including method development, SOP creation, and technical documentation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands‑on laboratory work and contributing to scientific innovation.

Overview

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well‑being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on‑site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in‑house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post‑secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Execution of CLS procedures for the receipt, chain-of-custody and reporting of microbiological results for customer samples.
• Execution of CLS procedures for the microbiological analysis of customer samples.
• Participation in the development and translation of new microbiology procedures.
• Prioritization of analyses to meet CLS target turnaround time of 95% of projects completed on time.
• Participation in development of protocols to demonstrate efficacy of products in customer applications.
• Preparation of CLS reports, and contribution to preparation of trial documents and technical literature as needed.
• Review of CLS procedures to ensure their accuracy and applicability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology (or other relevant scientific discipline), with a focus on Microbiology and 1-3 years of applicable laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated skills in aseptic technique, media preparation, autoclave procedures and pour-plate methodology.
• Experience handling BSL2 microbes and associated safety equipment and procedures.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, detail oriented.
• Excellent written and communication skills and the ability to interact well with others in a team environment.
• Advanced PC skills. Experience with Microsoft Access is preferred.
• Ability to learn and adapt in all areas.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision‑making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email [e-mail].

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required. Additional pre-employmentrequirementsmay be necessarybased onposition.

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

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