Research Associate

Kemin; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) match

Paid vacation & holidays

On-site fitness center

Tuition reimbursement

Learning resources & training

Job summary

Kemin Health is seeking a Research Associate to join our R&D team in Des Moines, IA. This onsite role supports innovative laboratory-based projects under direct supervision, performing technical tasks, data collection and analysis to generate high-quality results.

The ideal candidate holds a science degree (B.S. with 0–3 years or A.S. with 2+ years) and has HPLC experience, with UV-Vis preferred. Benefits include competitive pay, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, and on-site facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelors with 0–3 years of science experience or an Associate's with 2+ years in a lab setting.
• HPLC experience is required and UV-Vis experience is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills are needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab experiments under supervision using routine HPLC testing and analysis.
• Conduct literature reviews and provide written summaries.
• Draft SOPs, protocols and methods with supervision.
• Analyze data and document results in multiple formats.
• Support supplier qualification projects with analytical input.

Skills

HPLC experience

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in science (Chemistry preferred)

Associate's degree in science

Tools

HPLC

UV-Vis spectroscopy

MS Office

Job description

Overview

This role is located onsite in Des Moines, IA. We are seeking candidates who are currently located within commuting distance of the facility.

Kemin is seeking a Research Associate to join our Kemin Health R&D team! As a Research Associate, you will support innovative R&D projects by applying scientific methods and conducting laboratory-based research activities. Working under direct supervision, you will perform a variety of technical tasks within established guidelines to generate high-quality data and contribute to the advancement of new products, technologies, and solutions.

This position is based onsite at our World Headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, and follows a Monday through Friday schedule during standard business hours.

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab experiments within well-defined guidelines and under direct supervision; operate laboratory equipment using routine HPLC testing and analytical support.
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summary.
• Draft SOP’s, technical documentation, research protocols and research methods, with supervision.
• Perform basic data analysis, with supervision.
• Collect, interpret and document research data, with supervision.
• Prepare and present research data and analytics in multiple formats.
• Contribute to scientific publications used for internal purposes.
• Sample preparation and stability study management.
• Data compilation and reporting.
• Analytical support for supplier qualification projects.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors Degree in a Science related field (Chemistry preferred) with 0-3 years of experience OR
  • Associates Degree in a Science related field (Chemistry preferred) with 2+ years of experience
• Ability to work under pressure and able to handle multiple projects efficiently.
• Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• HPLC experience required.
• UV-Vis experience highly preferred.
• Reliable and self-motivated.
• Good understanding of Microsoft office products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Basic understanding of English, both written and oral.
• Ability to interact well with others in a team environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision‑making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email [e-mail].

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required. Additional pre-employmentrequirementsmay be necessarybased onposition.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus.

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