R&D Associate Scientist

LNN Pace Analytical Life Sciences, LLC; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K retirement plan

Paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Pace Analytical Life Sciences, LLC is seeking a lab-based scientist to assist in the design and execution of studies involving process development for in ovo viral propagation. This role supports the full innovation cycle, contributing to vaccine development and licensure, with responsibilities across experimental work, data interpretation, and collaboration.

The position offers a Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM schedule, with compensation in the $22.00–$26.00 per hour range.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant science.
• 2 years of laboratory internship experience or industry experience.
• Knowledge of BSL-2 environments and aseptic techniques.
• Proficiency in accurate and precise pipetting.
• Strong problem-solving and learning agility.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform experimental work involving in ovo viral propagation and virus harvest procedures.
• Execute lab tasks with precise pipetting, sample preparation, and handling of biological material.
• Apply aseptic techniques during virus propagation and processing.
• Work with infectious agents following BSL-2 safety requirements and regulations.
• Generate methods for technical activities under supervision.
• Organize and present experimental data to support project advancement.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to share learnings.

Skills

Pipetting proficiency

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Cross-functional collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Animal Science, Chemistry, or related discipline

Job description

Shift: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM Are you ready to work making the world a safer, healthier place? Join our mission to continuously move science forward; to innovate and advance all aspects of our business to improve the health and safety of our communities and lives. This lab-based role will assist in the design and execution of studies involving process development for in ovo viral propagation. This role provides an opportunity to learn and apply both technical and practical principles supporting the full innovation cycle, contributing to the successful development, validation, and licensure of vaccine products.

Compensation: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Responsibilities

• Independently perform experimental work involving in ovo viral propagation, including inoculation of embryonated eggs and virus harvest procedures.
• Execute laboratory activities requiring accurate, precise, and reproducible pipetting, sample preparation, and biological material handling.
• Apply aseptic techniques during virus propagation, sample processing, media preparation, and related laboratory activities.
• Conduct work with infectious agents in accordance with BSL-2 safety requirements, laboratory procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
• Generate methods for technical activities under the guidance of a qualified scientist.
• Adapt to new procedures and evolving project needs in a dynamic R&D environment.
• Organize, interpret, and present experimental data to support project advancement, identify atypical results or deviations, and contribute to investigations, technical reports, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to share key learnings that advance portfolio projects and support innovation.
• Operate and perform basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment relevant to assigned work.
• Accurately document work in batch records, laboratory notebooks, and/or electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Maintain a clean, compliant, and organized laboratory work environment while promoting safe laboratory practices.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and maintain a positive, adaptable attitude.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Animal Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Relevant laboratory internship experience - 2 years of industry experience.
• Knowledge of BSL-2 laboratory environments and aseptic techniques for maintaining a clean laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in accurate and precise pipetting.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, technical curiosity, and learning agility.
• Track record of working independently and collaborating within cross-functional teams.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting and presenting technical data.
• Strong organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment.

Additional Preferences

• Knowledge of in ovo techniques, embryonated egg inoculation, viral propagation, or vaccine development activities.
• Knowledge of sample preparation and biological and infectious material handling in accordance with laboratory safety procedures.
• Background in infectious disease, virology, microbiology, or other biological laboratory applications, including work with biohazardous organisms.
• Exposure to vaccine, biologics, or animal health research programs.
• Operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.

Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work.

Benefits

When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.

• competitive salaries
• medical
• dental vision
• 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match)
• life
• disability and voluntary benefits
• paid time off for holiday
• sick and vacation days
• HSA
• wellness program
• flexible spending accounts
• tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance program
• parental leave
• optional legal coverage and ID theft

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Pace® makes the world a safer, healthier place. We partner with clients to provide the service, science, and laboratory data needed to make critical decisions that benefit us all. Through a nationwide laboratory network, Pace® advances the science of businesses, industries, consulting firms, government agencies, and others. More at PACELABS.com.