Research Associate

Kemin; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401k match

Paid vacation and holidays

On-site fitness center

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off for service

Job summary

Hennessy Research Associates - a Kemin Company is seeking a Research Associate to join the R&D team in Lenexa, KS. You will support animal health research through lab and field activities, contributing to virology work, vaccine development, cell culture, sample processing, and data analysis.

You will work alongside scientists, veterinarians, and staff to advance innovative animal health solutions while gaining hands-on lab experience and developing technical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field with 0–3 years of experience or an Associate’s degree with 2+ years of experience.
• Laboratory experience including aseptic technique, pipetting, sample processing, or microbiological procedures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab experiments under direct supervision.
• Conduct serum neutralization assays and virology-based procedures following established protocols.
• Prepare and process samples, titration, and pipetting to support research projects.
• Utilize microscopes and analytical instruments to collect and evaluate data.
• Collaborate with scientists, veterinarians and staff on lab and field studies.
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Aseptic technique

Pipetting

Microsoft Office

Written and oral communication

Team collaboration

Ability to work under pressure

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Associate's degree in science

Job description

Overview

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

Hennessy Research Associates - a Kemin Company is seeking a Research Associate to join the R&D team! As a Research Associate, you will support research focused on animal health through a combination of laboratory and field-based activities. Working alongside experienced scientists, veterinarians, and research staff, you will contribute to virology, vaccine development, cell culture, sample processing, and much more. This position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience, develop technical research skills, and play an important role in advancing innovative animal health solutions.

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.
• Conduct serum neutralization assays and other virology-based laboratory procedures following established protocols.
• Complete sample preparation, processing, titration, and pipetting activities to support research projects.
• Utilize laboratory equipment, including microscopes and other analytical instruments, to collect and evaluate research data.
• Collaborate with research scientists, veterinarians, and technical staff to support ongoing laboratory and field studies.
• 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 with 0-3 years of experience OR
  • Associates Degree in a Science related field with 2+ years of experience
• Laboratory experience, including aseptic technique, pipetting, sample processing, or microbiological procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure and able to handle multiple projects efficiently.
• Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• 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 on position.

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

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