Research Associate I

Biofire-Defense; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

PTO

Paid Holidays

Winter Break

Wellness Program

Free Parking

Job summary

BioFire Defense is seeking a Research Associate I to support performance assessment and validation of molecular IVD products in Salt Lake City. The role focuses on nucleic acid work, PCR and data collection under QA/QS frameworks.

You will collaborate across teams, document procedures, and ensure timely study progress and regulatory submissions while maintaining meticulous lab practices.

Qualifications

• Typically requires 0+ years of experience with BS degree in related scientific discipline.
• At least six months of experience in an academic, industry, or healthcare laboratory is preferred.
• RA I level consideration with compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Compliance and Quality: Write and revise protocols, reports, and SOPs/WIDs as required.
• Laboratory: Work in a Biosafety Level 2 environment with clinical samples, maintaining sterile technique.
• Data Analysis: Ensure data integrity and assist with study progress presentations and reports.
• Technical Writing: Assist with drafting study protocols and procedures.
• Communication: Present study progress in team meetings and coordinate with peers and supervisors.

Skills

Microbiology principles

Molecular biology

Pipetting

Sterile technique

Data analysis

Technical writing

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Microsoft Office

Education

BS in a related scientific discipline

Tools

PCR

Job description

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

Job Description

Posted Monday, August 24, 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.

Position Summary:

This position is part of a team responsible for performance assessment and validation of molecular in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products. The Research Associate works to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment and has the temperament to operate proactively and collaboratively in a team in support of FDA and other global regulatory submissions. Tasks will focus on molecular and microbiological experiments and procedures (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, serial dilution, PCR, etc.) with associated collection, analysis, verification, and recording of data in accordance with established protocols, work instruction documents, regulations, safety requirements, and other requirements of the quality system. Work is primarily collaborative and requires the ability to effectively and respectfully communicate and coordinate with peers and supervisors.

The position requires laboratory and organizational skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and dedication to the mission and goals of the Regulatory Department and BioFire Defense.

Principal Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Compliance and Quality: Perform all work in compliance with company policy and within the guidelines of the quality management system.Format, revise, and/or write relevant protocols, reports, and SOPs/WIDs.
• Laboratory: Work in a Biosafety Level 2 environment with potentially pathogenic microbes, clinical samples, and body fluids using sterile technique. Use and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies/inventory, and workspace according to requirements. Manage inventory.
• Data Analysis: Ensure the integrity and safe keeping of analytical and clinical study data, assist with study progress presentations and written reports. Assist with data queries and verification.
• Technical Writing: Assist with drafting study protocols and procedures.
• Communication: Present up-to-date study progress throughout the duration of studies during team meetings, in interdepartmental settings, and informally to teammates and supervisors. Address study issues with Analytical Group team members (especially study leads) in a timely manner.

Qualifications

Training, Education, and Experience:

• Typically requires 0+ years of experience with BS degree in related scientific discipline.
• At least six months of experience in an academic, industry, or healthcare laboratory is preferred.
• We are primarily seeking an RA I but are open to more experience with the right candidate. The final level and compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.

Skills:

• Knowledge of current and evolving microbiology and molecular biology principles, tools, and techniques relevant to developing diagnostic tests for infectious diseases
• Proficiency in laboratory practices including pipetting, handling biological and chemical materials, sterile technique, and contamination control
• Ability to perform basic stoichiometric and statistical calculations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an emphasis in technical writing.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple disciplines and personalities.
• Self-starter, with the ability to work and learn independently.
• Attention to detail is fundamental to this position.
• Ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong organizational, time management, and administrative skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) required.

Physical Requirements and Role-Based Expectations:

• Must be comfortable working with Biosafety Level 2 pathogens.
• Must be comfortable working with human specimens and bodily fluids (blood, saliva, sputum, etc.).
• Manual and visual dexterity to handle small tubes and manipulate very small volumes; reasonable accommodations are applicable.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including disposable gloves, facemask, and safety glasses, as needed.
• Must be comfortable working with cleaning products such as bleach.
• Must maintain regular and consistent on-site attendance.
• Must be able to safely lift and maneuver 40lbs.
• Medical
• Vision
• 9/8/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)
• 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.

Medical

Vision

9/8/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

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