Food Microbiology Research Associate

Actalent; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site cafeteria

Gym on campus

Coffee options

Job summary

Actalent in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Research Associate to conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment. This role supports a new product launch by performing hands-on laboratory work, maintaining precise records, and contributing to daily lab operations.

The position involves preparing media, plating, culture prep, shelf-life evaluations, and trial execution while adhering to SOPs and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Hands-on microbiology laboratory experience required.
• Meat plating experience preferred within a microbiology or food science context.
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks and Excel data logs.
• Knowledge of basic and applied microbiology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, food science, or biotechnology.
• Follow laboratory protocols, SOPs, and safety guidelines.
• Ability to lift 30–40 lb bags or 20-liter cans of solvents occasionally.
• Stand/walk for extended periods and perform various lab tasks.
• Computer proficiency for data entry and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry as part of a research and development team.
• Perform routine microbiology techniques, including plating, culture preparation, and meat plating to support ongoing projects.
• Execute application studies, shelf-life evaluations, and product trials in alignment with project plans and timelines.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records and data logs to ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Support daily laboratory operations such as preparing media, sterilizing equipment, and organizing workspaces.
• Ensure lab cleanliness and SOP compliance; monitor supplies.
• Coordinate experiments and share results with microbiology and CLS teams.
• Follow sterile techniques and safety protocols to prevent contamination.

Skills

Hands-on microbiology

Plating & culture prep

Meat plating experience

Lab notebooks & Excel logs

Microbiology/biochemistry knowledge

SOPs & safety compliance

PPE & safety procedures

Data entry & documentation

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Microbiology/Biology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Food Science/Biotechnology

Tools

Excel

Job description

Actalent in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Research Associate to conduct basic and applied research in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry within a collaborative team environment. This role supports a new product launch by performing hands-on laboratory work, maintaining precise records, and contributing to daily lab operations.

The position involves preparing media, plating, culture prep, shelf-life evaluations, and trial execution while adhering to SOPs and safety standards.