Research_Associate I

Biofire-Defense; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

160 hours PTO per year

9 paid holidays per year

Winter break (Dec 24–31)

Job summary

BioFire Defense in Salt Lake City is seeking a Laboratory Research Associate to perform PCR-based experiments and support multiple products. You will work with a team, design experiments, collect data, and maintain accurate notebook records in a GMP-aligned environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, ability to lift ~20 lbs, and familiarity with PCR techniques. Opportunity to contribute to QA processes and collaborate on research projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline is required.
• Ability to safely lift and maneuver ~20 lbs and handle standard lab tasks.
• Familiarity with PCR/RT-PCR and fluorescence-based detection methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab duties and experiments to support BioFire Defense products.
• Analyze data and prepare technical reports and summaries.
• Maintain accurate quality control records and lab notebooks.
• Contribute to developing and revising procedures with QA documentation.
• Present and communicate technical data as required.

Skills

PCR techniques

RT-PCR

Fluorescence detection

Lab data recording

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline

Job description

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 6:00 AM

At BioFire Defense, our workplace is as vibrant as our mission: casual vibes, intense execution, and a passion for IMPACT.

This is a full-time non-exempt position. This position is part of a team working on a variety of laboratory procedures involving PCR using established methods and techniques under general guidance. This person will work closely with other research associates in the research lab. Performs general lab duties, aids in the design of experiments, conducts experiments, collects and analyzes data and keeps an accurate record of all work done in the laboratory notebook. Requires problem-solving skills and familiarity with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices and procedures including PCR, RT-PCR, and use of fluorescence-based nucleic acid detection techniques. Receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments. Reports to a Research Associate IV, Scientist, or Manager.

Primary Duties

• Perform all work in compliance with company policy and within the guidelines of BioFire Defense Quality System.
• Contributes to research and development efforts in collaboration with others for various projects at BioFire Defense.
• Performs lab duties and experiments/tests to support multiple products made by BioFire Defense.
• Analyzes data collected from experiments and aids in preparation of technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.
• Prepares and presents technical and scientific data.
• Aids in developing and/or revising procedures involving quality-controlled documents.
• Contributes to project process within their scientific discipline.
• Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature.
• May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals.
• May be responsible for identifying patentable inventions.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate quality control records.
• Ensures that laboratory notebooks for assigned projects/experiments are maintained in accordance with BioFire Defense Employment Handbook.

Principal Decisions

N/A

Supplemental Data (Optional)

N/A

Qualifications

Training and Education

Minimum education, certification, and/or training requirements for this position (i.e., high school diploma, college degree, and/or certification.)

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent and demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles.

List any other physical requirements associated with this job.

• Ability to safely lift and maneuver ~20 lbs.
• Must have sufficient manual and visual dexterity for standard laboratory practices (e.g., pipetting, micro centrifuge tube capping/uncapping, syringe manipulation, etc.).
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and work with a variety of organisms and body fluids in a Biosafety Level 2/2+ laboratory environment.
• If unable to meet these requirements, reasonable accommodations will be made if supervisor is notified.

Medical

Vision

• 401k - company match of 5% regardless of participation and up to a total of 9.5% company match if contributing
• 160 Hours of PTO (prorated from date of hire)
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Paid Winter Break from the work week between December 24 thru December 31
• Participation in Company's Wellness Program (discounted medical premiums)
• Multiple Company Sponsored Events Each Year (catered breakfast/lunch, holiday parties, snacks)
• Convenient location near I-15 and Trax Station
• Free Parking

Our EEO Policy

BioFire Defense is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V). We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. BioFire Defense complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

BioFire Defense, LLC, 79 West 4500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America