R&D Associate - Med Tech

Microbiologics

Portage (MI)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 75,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

HSA

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Bonus potential

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Microbiologics seeks an R&D Associate - Med Tech to join our Kalamazoo team, supporting the development and evaluation of anti-infective products.

This hands-on role blends clinical microbiology, molecular biology, and client-sponsored projects, requiring sound scientific judgment, strong lab skills, and a commitment to accurate results. You’ll lead studies, work with LIMS, and collaborate across teams to deliver reliable data.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, virology, cell biology, molecular biology, food science, bioengineering, or related field.
Current MLS or MLT certification through ASCP or AMT.
Minimum of two years of laboratory experience with bacteria and/or fungi in a diagnostic or commercial environment.
Experience processing and testing clinical specimens.
Strong knowledge of microbiological techniques, clinical microbiology methods, and automated equipment.
Molecular biology and chemistry techniques including PCR, nucleic acid extraction, cloning, primer design, electrophoresis, and formulation preparation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; experience using LIMS or other lab software.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage anti-infective research projects with milestones and deliverables.
Design, conduct, evaluate, and document microbiology studies and method validations.
Provide scientific recommendations and data-driven solutions to support research objectives.
Perform antimicrobial and antifungal susceptibility testing per standards.
Serve as site technical supervisor for clinical trial central lab activities; maintain certification.
Process clinical specimens and use LIMS to support operations.
Conduct microbial culture, identification, and enumeration using conventional and rapid methods.
Perform molecular procedures (PCR, nucleic acid extraction, cloning, electrophoresis).
Operate and troubleshoot lab instruments following SOPs and quality standards.
Analyze, interpret, and summarize data for reports, presentations, and client deliverables.
Maintain accurate records and support SOP development and investigations.
Communicate project status and findings to stakeholders and clients.
Support staff training, mentoring, and cross-functional priorities.

Skills

Lab experience

Clinical microbiology

Molecular biology

PCR

Nucleic acid extraction

Cloning

Primer design

Electrophoresis

Formulation prep

MS Office

LIMS

Bacteria handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

MLS or MLT certification (ASCP/AMT)

Tools

None

Job description

R&D Associate - Med Tech

At Microbiologics, our impact goes far beyond the lab. As a global biotechnology company with a strong reputation for quality, collaboration, and scientific rigor, we support the health and safety of people around the world through trusted biological products and services.

Brief Description

R&D Associate - Med Tech

We are seeking an R&D Associate - Med Tech to join our Kalamazoo team and support the development and evaluation of anti-infective products. This hands‑on role combines clinical microbiology, research, molecular biology, and client‑sponsored project work. The ideal candidate brings sound scientific judgment, strong laboratory skills, and a commitment to accurate, reliable results.

To Be Considered for This Position, Candidates Must Have the Following Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, virology, cell biology, molecular biology, food science, bioengineering, or a related field
Current MLS or MLT certification through ASCP or AMT
Minimum of two (2) years of laboratory experience working with bacteria and/or fungi in a diagnostic, clinical, manufacturing, food safety, or other commercial environment
Experience processing and testing clinical specimens
Strong knowledge of microbiological techniques, clinical microbiology methods, and automated laboratory equipment, assays, and platforms
Technical proficiency in molecular biology and chemistry techniques, including PCR, nucleic acid extraction, cloning, primer design, electrophoresis, and formulation preparation
Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; experience using LIMS or other laboratory software

Why This Role Is Different

At Microbiologics, this role extends beyond routine laboratory testing. You will contribute to meaningful anti‑infective research, support clinical trial laboratory activities, and help clients turn complex scientific data into reliable answers. In this role, you will:

Lead and support research projects for internal and external clients
Design and execute specialized studies, including resistance development assessments, time‑kill assays, and method evaluations
Serve as a technical resource for clinical microbiology and central laboratory activities
Work across microbiology, molecular biology, data analysis, quality systems, and client communication
Help introduce new methods, technologies, and laboratory processes

This position offers the opportunity to apply your Med Tech expertise to research that supports the development and evaluation of anti‑infective products.

What You’ll Do

Research & Project Leadership

Lead and manage anti‑infective research projects, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met
Design, conduct, evaluate, and document specialized microbiology studies and method validations
Provide scientific expertise, technical recommendations, and data‑driven solutions to support research objectives

Clinical Laboratory & Technical Operations

Perform antimicrobial and antifungal susceptibility testing in accordance with regulatory and industry standards
Serve as the site technical supervisor for clinical trial central laboratory activities and maintain required professional certification
Process clinical specimens and use LIMS and laboratory software to support research and clinical trial operations

Microbiology & Molecular Biology

Conduct microbial culture, identification, characterization, and enumeration using conventional and rapid methods
Perform molecular procedures such as PCR, nucleic acid extraction, cloning, electrophoresis, and related techniques
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments while following SOPs, quality standards, and applicable regulations

Data, Quality & Collaboration

Analyze, interpret, and summarize scientific data for research projects, technical reports, presentations, and client deliverables
Maintain accurate laboratory records and support SOP development, document review, investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement
Communicate project status, technical findings, and laboratory results to internal stakeholders and clients
Support staff training, mentoring, project reviews, scientific discussions, and cross‑functional priorities

Who Thrives Here

We believe strong science comes from curiosity, precision, and collaboration. This role is a strong fit for someone who:

Applies independent and critical thinking to complex scientific questions
Balances multiple projects and adjusts priorities without losing attention to detail
Communicates technical information clearly to colleagues, clients, and cross‑functional partners
Demonstrates sound judgment, organization, time management, and project leadership
Values quality, accurate documentation, safety, and continuous improvement
Enjoys contributing in a collaborative, hands‑on laboratory environment

Additional Requirements

Ability to regularly stand, walk, or sit for the duration of the shift and occasionally stoop, climb, or balance
Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds above shoulder height without assistance
Ability to perform fine motor and repetitive movements required for sample handling and laboratory procedures
Close vision, depth perception, focus adjustment, normal color vision, and successful completion of color‑vision screening
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and follow all laboratory, biosafety, and waste‑handling requirements
Comfort working with chemicals, biological materials, laboratory reagents, clinical specimens, and Risk Group I and Risk Group II microorganisms

Who We Are

Microbiologics is a global biotechnology company and trusted partner to healthcare and life science organizations worldwide. For more than 50 years, we have supported laboratories, manufacturers, and suppliers with high‑quality biological control materials, assay services, and consulting.

Headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with additional facilities across the United States, we are known for our collaborative culture, commitment to quality, and continuous improvement mindset.

What We Offer