Research Associate I - Microbes

Novonesis; Durham (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision & Life保险

401(k) with up to 9% company contrib.

Vacation 3 weeks + 12 holidays + 2 WKs

Wellness Time 2 weeks

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee assistance program

All benefits begin on your first day

Job summary

Novonesis in RTP, NC is seeking a Research Associate I to advance microbial discovery through hands-on lab work and data analysis. You will identify promising strains and molecules for product concepts, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on biosolutions.

You will conduct experiments, analyze results, document findings, and contribute to process improvements in a fast-paced, safety-conscious lab environment, with opportunities for growth and professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related scientific discipline.
• Experience with aseptic technique and microbial handling.
• Experience with DNA sequencing, microbiomics, bioinformatics, imaging analysis or enzymatic assays.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to independently conduct experiments.
• Excellent problem-solving and collaboration in a global organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including reports, protocols and summaries.

Responsibilities

• Work within an agile team to investigate biological solutions.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate efficacy of new strains and molecules.
• Collect, analyze, document, and communicate scientific results.
• Drive improvements to laboratory workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and functional laboratory environment.
• Ensure traceability through thorough documentation and reporting.
• Learn and apply new laboratory and data analysis techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on microbial-related projects.

Skills

Microbiology

DNA sequencing

Aseptic technique

Microbial handling

Bioinformatics

Imaging analysis

Enzymatic assays

Python

Benchling

JMP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology

Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology

Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry

Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology

Related scientific discipline

Tools

Benchling

Python

JMP

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?

Are you passionate about scientific discovery and excited by the potential of microbial solutions? Join our team in Research Triangle Park (RTP), where you’ll help identify and develop innovative biological solutions that support industries ranging from Plant and Animal Health to Human Health, Food & Beverage, and Household Care.

You will become part of a collaborative team of scientists and research associates dedicated to the discovery, isolation, and characterization of microorganisms for new product development. Our team combines laboratory science, data-driven insights, and global collaboration to advance biosolutions that make a real difference. We value curiosity, open communication, continuous learning, and having fun while delivering results.

The role & your impact

As a Research Associate I, you will contribute to microbial discovery programs through laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Your work will help identify promising biological strains and molecules that support commercially aligned product concepts and scientific advancement across Novonesis.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working within an agile team to investigate biological solutions.
• Conducting experiments to evaluate the efficacy of new biological strains and molecules.
• Collecting, analyzing, documenting, and communicating scientific results.
• Driving improvements to laboratory workflows and processes to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Maintaining a safe, organized, and functional laboratory environment.
• Ensuring traceability through thorough documentation and reporting.
• Learning and applying new laboratory and data analysis techniques.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams on microbial-related projects.

What you’ll need to be successful in this role

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience with laboratory methods such as aseptic technique, microbial handling, DNA sequencing, microbiomics, bioinformatics, imaging analysis, or enzymatic assays.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate within a global organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of technical reports, protocols, presentations, and summaries.
• Authorization to work in the United States now and in the future without employer sponsorship.

Additional skills & interests we value

The following qualifications are considered beneficial but are not required:

• Experience with data management and statistical analysis tools such as Benchling, Python, or JMP.
• Passion for scientific discovery and continuous learning.
• Positive attitude and collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and embrace new challenges.
• Proactive approach to solving problems and improving processes.
• Strong commitment to quality and scientific excellence.

What we offer you

• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge microbial discovery and product innovation.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment with global connections.
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning.
• Meaningful work aligned with Novonesis’ purpose of advancing biosolutions.
• Flexibility, exciting scientific challenges, and opportunities for growth.
• An inclusive culture built on trust, open communication, and teamwork.

Working conditions

This position is based on-site in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina.

The role is performed in a research laboratory environment during standard daytime business hours. Occasional schedule flexibility or overtime may be required to support research activities and project deadlines. Daily work includes laboratory operations requiring periods of standing, walking, handling laboratory materials, and operating scientific equipment while following established safety procedures.

Compensation & benefits

• Base Salary - $60,000-$70,000 based on experience
• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution!
• Minimum of 3 weeks’ vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
• Healthcare savings account option with generous employer contribution
• Employee assistance program
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• All benefits begin on your first day!

Relevant information

Application deadline: 11/20/26

Our purpose guides the way

In 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.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants.