R&D Technician - Product Development

Microbiologics; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Health savings account

Daycare assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Bonus potential

401k with match

Job summary

Microbiologics is seeking an R&D Technician to support product development using microbiology, molecular biology, and virology techniques. This tiered role progresses from Tech I to Tech III based on experience and demonstrated competencies.

The position is full-time, Monday–Friday, with duties spanning development, QC, and cross-department collaboration to advance our biomaterials and assay know‑how. A bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related).
• Experience with qPCR/ddPCR and basic lab maintenance and documentation.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and document results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development, manufacturing, and QC of microbiology/virology and molecular products.
• Transfer research findings to Production and QC.
• Perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantification, cloning, and nucleic acid isolation.
• Perform microbiology or cell-culture/virology techniques including microbial culture, enumeration/titration, pathogen identification, and isolation.
• Manufacture R&D test lots and analyze biomaterial performance per protocols and DMR requirements.
• Document research activities for product design controls, validations, verifications, qualifications, and statistical analyses.
• Support product development for unique customer or contract requests outside current product lines.
• Write or revise SOPs related to R&D procedures.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and project stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and timely production documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

qPCR

ddPCR

Molecular biology

Lab documentation

Cell culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences

Tools

PCR machines

Gel electrophoresis

Nucleic acid quantification

Cloning

Cell culture equipment

Job description

Brief Description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented R&D Technician to support product development using microbiology, molecular biology, and/or virology and cell culture techniques. This is a tiered position, meaning the final level (Tech I, Tech II, or Tech III/Senior Tech) will be determined based on the candidate’s education, experience, and demonstrated competencies. Candidates will play a key role in developing new products, collaborating closely across departments to support our innovation pipeline.

What can I expect in this role?

This is a full time position working Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.

Some key duties in this role include:

• Assist with development, manufacturing, and quality control (QC) of microbiology/virology and molecular products.
• Transfer research findings and product details to other departments such as Production and QC.
• Perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantification, cloning, and nucleic acid isolation.
• Perform microbiology or cell-culture/virology techniques including microbial culture, enumeration/titration, pathogen identification, and isolation.
• Manufacture R&D test lots and analyze biomaterial performance per protocols and DMR requirements.
• Document research activities for product design controls, validations, verifications, qualifications, and statistical analyses.
• Support product development for unique customer or contract requests outside current product lines.
• Write or revise SOPs related to R&D procedures.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and project stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and timely production documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

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:

Education (Required for All Tiers): Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline).

Tier Differentiation:

Tech I

• 1 year min experience
• Requires training and oversight
• Executes qPCR/ddPCR validation under supervision
• Participates in basic lab maintenance and documentation tasks
• Supports production of swabs, pellets, and microorganisms

Tech II

• 2-3 years min experience
• Independently documents lab work
• Executes and reports on qPCR/ddPCR validation
• Manages multiple lab tasks daily
• Troubleshoots basic instrumentation
• Develops single-/two-analyte products under supervision

Tech III

• 3-5 years min experience
• Independently plans and executes qPCR/ddPCR studies and writes reportsStrong grasp of scientific principles and experimental troubleshooting
• Mentors and trains junior staff
• Reprioritizes and manages tasks across multiple projects
• Troubleshoots both experiments and lab instruments

Competencies:

• Strong organizational and planning skills
• High integrity and commitment to quality and compliance
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficient with standard laboratory instrumentation and software
• Strong communication and documentation skills

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 been partnering 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 have a comprehensive benefits package that includes your standard benefits such as health and dental insurance, health savings account (company funded), life insurance, short and long-term disability, and a 401k 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, a competitive compensation and benefits package, and plenty of opportunities for training and growth.