Senior Research Manager, Microbiology, R&D

Neogen; Oakdale (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Neogen seeks a Senior Research Manager, Microbiology R&D in Oakdale, MN to lead a team of scientists developing and supporting microbiological diagnostic products, including culture-based thin film media and molecular assays.

You will set priorities, allocate resources, drive translation to manufacturing, quality, and regulatory, and guide strategy across new product development, process scale-up, tech transfer and sustaining initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD in Food Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least eight years of relevant industry experience.
• 5+ years of industry experience with food microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Extensive experience with BSL1 and BSL2 cultures, enrichment methods and microbial detection.
• Broad experience in microbiological diagnostic product development, including culture based thin film media, molecular diagnostic assays, or diagnostic consumables.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop high-performing team of scientists for work supporting prioritized business efforts and champion career development for direct reports.
• Guide the team in assessing and developing technical solutions using analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Support new product development while also working on process development improvements with cross-functional teams in R&D and the manufacturing plants.
• Represent the organization at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and technical forums to promote scientific leadership and maintain awareness of emerging trends.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Microbiology or related field

Job description

It\'s fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing! Neogen is seeking an individual for a Senior Research Manager, Microbiology R&D. This individual will lead a team of scientists and technicians responsible for the development, optimization, and lifecycle support of microbiological diagnostic products. The role requires broad technical understanding of culture based thin film media, molecular diagnostic assay development, and diagnostic consumables sufficient to guide technical strategy, evaluate recommendations, remove barriers, and ensure high-quality execution. This leader will establish priorities, develop team capability, allocate resources, and drive delivery across new product development, process scale up, technology transfer, and sustaining initiatives in partnership with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, and Product Management. Position will be located in Oakdale, Minnesota

Job Summary

Neogen is seeking an individual for a Senior Research Manager, Microbiology R&D. This individual will lead a team of scientists and technicians responsible for the development, optimization, and lifecycle support of microbiological diagnostic products. The role requires broad technical understanding of culture based thin film media, molecular diagnostic assay development, and diagnostic consumables sufficient to guide technical strategy, evaluate recommendations, remove barriers, and ensure high-quality execution. This leader will establish priorities, develop team capability, allocate resources, and drive delivery across new product development, process scale up, technology transfer, and sustaining initiatives in partnership with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, and Product Management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop high-performing team of scientists for work supporting prioritized business efforts and champion career development for direct reports.
• Guide the team in assessing and developing technical solutions using analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Support new product development while also working on process development improvements with cross-functional teams in R\&D and the manufacturing plants.
• Support patent development and technology scouting related to portfolio optimization.
• Establish and manage external collaborations to advance technical capabilities and evaluate new product or technology opportunities.
• Represent the organization at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and technical forums to promote scientific leadership and maintain awareness of emerging trends.
• Other duties as may be assigned by management.

Skills and Competencies

• Cultural Savvy: Demonstrates and lives One Neogen Pillars of Trust; Openness, Honesty, Respect, Credibility and Service through all actions, behaviors, and communication. Consistently embodies Pillars and fosters a culture and environment of trust.
• Communication: Clearly conveys information and ideas through a variety of media. Varies message based on audience. Actively listens to all team, peer and leadership while fostering collaboration.
• Leading Others: Delegates tasks appropriately to enhance individual and team effectiveness. Leverages team members unique differences to drive performance and plan for the future.
• Decision Making and Problem Solving: Sees opportunities for innovative problem solving. Generates unique, workable, and useful solutions to difficult problems. Ensures team has information and tools necessary to make decisions.
• Driving Performance: Drives performance within team. Utilizes time and resources effectively. Creates accountability for Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), seeks innovative solutions and sets priority standards.
• Organizational Strategy: Is the expert in their function and uses understanding of the organization to help drive performance. Stays abreast of industry and market trends. Translates information effectively to team and aligns team goals to organizational goals.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and Experience PhD in Food Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least eight years of relevant industry experience, or a master\'s degree with at least twelve years of relevant industry experience.
• 5+ years of industry experience with food microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Extensive experience with BSL1 and BSL2 cultures, enrichment methods and microbial detection.
• Broad experience in microbiological diagnostic product development, including culture based thin film media, molecular diagnostic assays, or diagnostic consumables.
• Proven ability to guide technical teams, assess scientific recommendations, manage risks, and enable data driven decision making.
• Previous formalized team management experience and documented cross-functional team collaboration.
• Strong communication, collaboration, coaching, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining quality and scientific rigor.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Come Be Part Of A Mission that Matters!

From inside the farm gate to our dinner plates, Neogen protects the world’s food supply. Through a variety of animal healthcare products, to food safety solutions for dangerous bacteria, allergens, toxins, drug residues and much more, Neogen is there - and you can be too. At Neogen, we are extremely proud of our record of sustained growth, as well as our development and acquisition of advanced technology since our founding in 1982. Neogen has thrived - and will continue to thrive - because our employees thrive here.