Research Associate

Spectraforce Technologies; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Corteva's Media Lab Operations - Expert Central Lab Services (ECLS) team is seeking a full-time contract Research Associate to support high-quality culture media preparation for biotechnology research and production. The role demands scientific rigor, ability to multitask, and adherence to safety protocols in a fast-paced lab setting.

The candidate will work on media preparation, lab operations, and compliance, with regular interaction across internal teams to ensure timely media delivery and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, agronomy, chemistry, or related field.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and standard lab practices.
• Ability to multitask and work independently.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Fluent in English (spoken, written, reading).

Responsibilities

• Prepare plant tissue culture media using established protocols.
• Adjust formulations and troubleshoot with scientists.
• Track and prioritize media requests using lab systems.
• Clean and maintain lab equipment regularly.
• Manage chemical inventory.
• Communicate with internal teams on media quality and delivery timelines.
• Follow safety, ergonomic, and aseptic procedures.
• Ensure compliance with chemical handling and biological hazard protocols.
• Stand for extended periods during lab work.
• Lift and move materials weighing 20-45 lbs.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements with ergonomic awareness.
• Handle multiple tasks efficiently in a high-throughput lab environment.

Skills

Multitasking

Communication

English proficiency

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, agronomy, chemistry, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate

Location: Johnston, IA 50131

Duration: 12+ Months (Possible extension)

Shift: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm

Position Summary

Seeking a full-time contract Research Associate to support the Media Lab within Corteva's Biotechnology Lab Operations - Expert Central Lab Services (ECLS) team. This role is critical to preparing high-quality culture media for biotechnology research and production. The ideal candidate will be scientifically skilled, physically capable, and able to multitask in a fast-paced lab environment.

Responsibilities:

Media Preparation & Support

• Prepare plant tissue culture media using established protocols
• Adjust formulations and troubleshoot with scientists
• Track and prioritize media requests using lab systems

Lab Operations & Maintenance

• Clean and maintain lab equipment regularly
• Manage chemical inventory
• Communicate with internal teams on media quality and delivery timelines

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety, ergonomic, and aseptic procedures
• Ensure compliance with chemical handling and biological hazard protocols

Physical & Multitasking Requirements

• Stand for extended periods during lab work
• Lift and move materials weighing 20-45 lbs.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements with ergonomic awareness
• Handle multiple tasks efficiently in a high-throughput lab environment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, agronomy, chemistry, or related field
• Strong foundation in chemistry, math, and biology
• Experience with aseptic techniques and standard lab practices
• Ability to multitask and work independently
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Fluent in English (spoken, written, reading)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in media preparation or plant tissue culture
• Familiarity with regulated lab environments and safety protocols
• Prior experience in production or research lab settings

Special Equipment Required

• water resistant shoes, prescription safety glasses if applicable