Senior Research Associate - Microbes

Novonesis; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 9%

Paid time off: 3 weeks + holidays + 2?

Health, Dental, Vision & Life

HSA option

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Novonesis is hiring a Senior Research Associate for its Microbe Discovery team in Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC. You will independently plan and conduct experiments, interpret results, and help improve workflows supporting microbial discovery programs.

You will collaborate with cross-functional and global teams, communicate results through reports and presentations, and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment on-site during daytime hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or another relevant scientific discipline.
• At least 3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in academic or industrial research.
• Experience planning, executing, troubleshooting, and interpreting lab experiments.
• Hands-on experience with aseptic techniques and safe handling of microbial cultures.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, troubleshoot, and document laboratory experiments evaluating new biological strains and molecules.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate data through technical reports and presentations.
• Improve laboratory workflows to increase efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Maintain a safe, organized lab with traceable experiments and samples.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams to advance project goals.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Analytical thinking

Scientific communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology/Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology

Tools

Benchling

Python

JMP

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?Interested in a career that matters?Are you passionate about discovering microbial solutions that can contribute to the development of innovative products? Join our Microbe Discovery team in Research Triangle Park, where scientists and research associates work together to discover, isolate, and characterize microorganisms. As part of Novonesis’ global Microbe and Culture Research organization, our team supports innovation across Plant and Animal Health, Human Health, Food and Beverage, and Household Care.We perform in-vitro and in-silico screening campaigns to identify organisms for commercially relevant product concepts and provide scientific insights to colleagues and customers.The Role & Your ImpactAs a Senior Research Associate, you will use your laboratory expertise and scientific curiosity to investigate biological solutions. You will independently plan and conduct experiments, interpret results, and help improve the workflows that support our microbial discovery programs.Your primary responsibilities will include:Plan, execute, troubleshoot, and document laboratory experiments that evaluate the efficacy of new biological strains and molecules.Collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental data through technical reports, summaries, protocols, and presentations.Apply your laboratory experience to resolve experimental challenges and support project objectives.Improve laboratory workflows and processes to increase efficiency, reliability, and quality.Maintain a safe, organized, and functional laboratory while ensuring the traceability of experiments, samples, and results.Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams, share technical knowledge, and adopt new laboratory and data-analysis methods that advance team goals.What You’ll Need to Be SuccessfulTo succeed in this role, you will need:A bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or another relevant scientific discipline.At least 3 years of relevant, hands-on laboratory experience in an academic or industrial research environment.Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret laboratory experiments.Hands-on experience with aseptic techniques and the safe handling of microbial cultures and laboratory materials.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a detail-oriented and self-driven approach to laboratory work.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports, summaries, protocols, and presentations.The ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional and global teams.Current and future authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.Additional Skills & Interests We ValueThe following qualifications are not required, but would be valuable in this role:Experience with DNA sequencing, microbiomics, bioinformatics, image analysis, or enzymatic assays.Experience managing and analyzing scientific data using tools such as Benchling, Python, or JMP.A passion for scientific discovery and continuous learning.A positive, collaborative, and team-oriented approach.A willingness to take on new challenges and adapt to changing priorities.A proactive mindset and a strong commitment to quality.What We OfferYou will join a collaborative team that values honest, open communication and believes in having fun while delivering meaningful results.The position offers:Purposeful work contributing to the discovery of biological solutions for multiple industries.Opportunities to develop new laboratory, data-analysis, and problem-solving skills.Collaboration with scientists, research associates, and cross-functional colleagues across a global organization.The opportunity to contribute ideas and help improve laboratory practices and workflows.A flexible, supportive environment that encourages professional growth, curiosity, and continuous learning.Ways of Working / Working ConditionsThis position is based on-site in Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina, and is performed in a research laboratory during standard daytime business hours.The role involves routine laboratory activities, including periods of standing, walking, and handling laboratory materials, samples, and equipment. Occasional schedule flexibility or overtime may be required to support experimental workflows and project deadlines.Employees are expected to follow all applicable laboratory safety procedures, documentation practices, and site requirements.Compensation & BenefitsStarting pay: $70,000-$85,000 based on experience401(k) with up to a 9% company contributionMinimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness TimeHealth, Dental, Vision & Life insuranceHealthcare savings account optionEmployee assistance programParental leaveTuition reimbursementAll benefits begin on your first dayRelevant InformationApplication deadline: 11/20/26Our purpose guides the wayIn 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. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.Opportunities for everyoneWe are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.Explore other openingsIf this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career