Research Associate

Novonesis; Franklinton (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

3 weeks vacation + 12 holidays + 2 WTA

Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance

HSA option

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Novonesis in Franklinton, NC is seeking a Research Associate to join our R&D team focused on biosolutions for first-generation corn ethanol. You will design and run experiments screening enzyme and microbial candidates, combining hands-on lab work with data analysis.

The role emphasizes developing assays, maintaining labs, and contributing to continuous improvement. You will work with lead scientists, participate in project reviews, and help advance multiple projects in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a biotech-related field with at least 3 years' laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience with fermentation and bioprocessing.
• Proficient in data analysis and statistics.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic laboratory equipment.
• Strong written and verbal English communication.
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Experience with automated liquid handling and high-throughput techniques.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead scientists with designing and conducting experiments to screen enzymes and microbial candidates.
• Conduct routine laboratory procedures and contribute to developing and improving assays and methods.
• Maintain good laboratory practices and safety/quality standards with clear data capture.
• Help ensure equipment functions properly and assist with maintenance of instruments.
• Participate in project reviews and contribute to team goals.

Skills

Fermentation

Bioprocessing

Data analysis

Statistics

Lab troubleshooting

English communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Continuous improvement

Adaptability

Automated liquid handling

High-throughput

Education

Bachelor's degree in biotech/related field

Tools

Fermentation equipment

Statistics software

Automated liquid handling systems

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 impactAs 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 roleAssist 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 roleWe’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 valueExperience with automated liquid handling and high-throughput techniquesStrong collaboration and teamwork skillsAbility to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environmentA continuous-improvement mindsetAn interest in contributing to and refining team ways of workingWhat we offer youYou’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 conditionsThis is an on-site position in Franklinton, North CarolinaSchedule in this role is a five-day workweek in an R&D laboratory environment.Compensation & benefitsExpected 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 contributionMinimum of 3 weeks of vacation, 12 holidays, and 2 weeks of Wellness TimeHealth, Dental, Vision, and Life insuranceHealthcare Savings Account (HSA) optionEmployee Assistance ProgramParental leaveTuition reimbursementAll benefits begin on your first dayApplication deadlineNovember 15, 2026Our purpose guides the wayIn 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. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.Opportunities for everyoneWe are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.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.Explore other openingsIf this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career