Research Associate

Novonesis; Durham (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company contribution

Vacation time & holidays

Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance

HSAs option

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Novonesis in North Carolina seeks a Research Associate to design and conduct experiments screening enzymes and microbial candidates. You will perform hands-on lab work, data analysis, and contribute to method development in a fast-paced R&D setting.

We value collaboration, continuous improvement, and adherence to safety and quality standards. The role is on-site in Franklinton, NC, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or related field with at least 3 years of lab experience.
• Hands-on fermentation/bioprocessing experience.
• Experience with data analysis and statistics.
• Ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Strong written and verbal English communication.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead scientists with designing and conducting experiments to screen enzymes and microbial candidates.
• Conduct routine lab procedures and contribute to developing and improving laboratory assays and methods.
• Maintain good laboratory practices complying with safety, environmental, and quality standards, with structured data capture.
• Support maintenance and upgrading of laboratory instrumentation.
• Participate in project reviews and contribute to team goals.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Fermentation/bioprocessing

Data analysis / statistics

Lab equipment troubleshooting

English communication

Teamwork / collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or related field

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?

Are you excited by the opportunity to use biotechnology to develop biosolutions for the biofuels industry? Join our collaborative R&D team developing yeast and enzyme solutions for first-generation corn ethanol.

You’ll work in a fast-paced laboratory environment where the team uses agile principles to manage multiple projects and turn scientific ideas into meaningful results.

The role & your impact

As a Research Associate, you will work closely with lead scientists to design and conduct experiments that screen and evaluate enzyme and microbial candidates. Your work will combine hands-on laboratory experimentation, data analysis, method development, and laboratory operations.

Your key responsibilities in this role

• Assist lead scientists with designing and conducting experiments to screen and evaluate enzymes and microbial candidates.
• Conduct routine laboratory procedures and contribute to developing and improving laboratory assays and methods.
• Maintain good laboratory practices while adhering to applicable safety, environmental, and quality standards, with well-structured capture of data and knowledge.
• Help ensure critical equipment functions properly and support the maintenance and upgrading of laboratory instrumentation.
• Participate in project reviews and contribute to broader team goals.

What you’ll need to be successful in this role

We’re looking for someone who can combine strong laboratory capabilities with a collaborative, continuous-improvement mindset.

You’ll bring:

• A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of laboratory experience in a biotechnology-relevant field.
• Knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience in fermentation and other bioprocessing.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods.
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Good written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Additional skills & interests we value

• Experience with automated liquid handling and high-throughput techniques
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• A continuous-improvement mindset
• An interest in contributing to and refining team ways of working

What we offer you

You’ll join a collaborative R&D environment focused on developing biosolutions for first-generation corn ethanol. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside scientists, contribute across multiple projects, develop laboratory methods and assays, and support continuous improvement in how the team works.

Working conditions

• This is an on-site position in Franklinton, North Carolina
• Schedule in this role is a five-day workweek in an R&D laboratory environment.

Compensation & benefits

Expected base salary: $55,000-$65,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Benefits you will enjoy:

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation, 12 holidays, and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) option
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• All benefits begin on your first day

Application deadline

November 15, 2026

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we’ve gotten so far. And it’s how we’ll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.