R&D Associate - Product Development

Microbiologics; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Microbiologics, based in Saint Cloud, MN, seeks an hands‑on Research and Development Associate to design, perform, and report experiments using microbiology and molecular biology techniques. You will contribute to new product development, process improvements, and custom customer requests in a collaborative lab environment.

The role requires a Master’s degree or equivalent with relevant experience, strong communication, and the ability to work closely with cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology or related field, with 2+ years industrial experience.
• Experience with microorganisms preferred.
• Knowledge of formulations and basic chemistry techniques.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including cloning, PCR.
• Familiarity with public databases for publications or nucleotide sequences.

Responsibilities

• Assist R&D, manufacturing, and QA of molecular products.
• Perform PCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, and other techniques.
• Carry out microbiology methods including culture, enumeration, isolation.
• Document research supporting design controls and validations.
• Collaborate with project teams and communicate results to customers when needed.
• Maintain production documentation and safe work environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

Decision making

Education

Master’s degree in biology or related field

Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience

Tools

PCR

RT‑PCR

Gel electrophoresis

SDS‑PAGE

Nucleic acid isolation

Cloning

Protein expression

Mutagenesis

DNA library construction

Microbial transformation

Genome editing

Microbiology culture

Job description

Brief Description

We are seeking a highly motivatedResearch and Development Associate to design, perform, and report on experiments using microbiology, molecular biology, and other applicable methodologies. This hands-on bench role will contribute to new product development, process improvements, and products created to support unique customer requests.

What can I expect in this role?

This is a hands‑on laboratory position that works closely with project teams and other functional areas, including Production and Quality Control. The role is performed in a laboratory environment and requires availability for overtime as needed.

Some key duties in this role include:

• Assist with the research and development, manufacturing, and quality control of molecular products, including transferring necessary product details to Production and Quality Control.
• Perform basic and advanced molecular and cell biology techniques, including PCR, RT‑PCR, gel electrophoresis, SDS‑PAGE, nucleic acid isolation and quantitation, cloning, recombinant protein expression, mutagenesis, DNA library construction, microbial transformation, and microbial genome editing.
• Perform microbiology techniques, including microbial culture, enumeration, isolation, and identification using traditional and rapid methods.
• Manufacture test lots and analyze product performance according to applicable DMRs, policies, and procedures.
• Perform new product research and development under supervision.
• Document research supporting product design controls, validations, verifications, qualifications, specifications, performance and statistical analyses.
• Complete and maintain applicable production documentation.
• Assist with the development and production of products for customer requests that fall outside current product lines or require the capabilities of the R&D department.
• Write, review, and update departmental SOPs.
• Collaborate and communicate regularly with project teams and other functional areas.
• Communicate with customers regarding results and custom specifications when necessary.
• Perform applicable maintenance and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support other departments during periods of high demand and perform other assigned duties.

What makes you a good fit?

Our goal is finding the right individual for our team—we firmly believe that the right person is someone to invest in and invite to join our family.

Here is what we are looking for:

• Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field with at least two years of relevant experience, preferably in an industrial setting; or an equivalent bachelor’s degree with at least five years of relevant experience.
• Experience working with microorganisms is preferred.
• Knowledge of formulations and basic chemistry techniques.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, and primer/probe design.
• Familiarity with public databases used to retrieve publications or nucleotide and ORF sequences.
• Knowledge of flow cytometry is a plus.
• Strong time management, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Good judgment and decision‑making abilities.
• The ability to read and understand work instructions, policies, procedures, and other technical documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet‑based programs.
• The ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds, work in a laboratory environment, wear required PPE, and work safely around chemicals, microorganisms, and laboratory equipment.
• The ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Who is Microbiologics?

Microbiologics is one of the fastest‑growing international biotechnology companies in the nation. We are the world’s leading experts and go‑to collaborators in biological products and services, focused on protecting the health and safety of people around the world. For over 50 years, we have partnered with healthcare and life science laboratories, manufacturers, and suppliers across the globe to co‑create and provide biological control materials, assay services, and consulting for microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and virology. Headquartered in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, we have additional facilities in California, Kentucky, and Michigan.

What can we offer you?

Glad you asked!

Our award‑winning culture is friendly, collaborative, and supportive, providing endless opportunities for individuals to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. At Microbiologics, we believe that "great vision" without great people is irrelevant. That’s why we are always looking for great people to join our dynamic, innovative company as we provide the highest‑quality biomaterials for a safer, healthier world.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, a company‑funded health savings account, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability coverage, and a 401(k) program with a generous match, to name a few. In addition, we are proud to support our team and their families by offering daycare assistance, tuition reimbursement, bonus potential, competitive compensation and benefits, and plenty of opportunities for training and growth.