Temporary Associate Scientist (6-month Assignment)

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

EnviroLogix, now part of the Ensign-Bickford family, seeks a Biochemistry lab professional to support assay development and validation in a regulated environment. You will conduct ELISA and lateral flow experiments, document results, and maintain notebooks while collaborating with R&D, QA, and Manufacturing.

You will contribute to data analyses, prepare reports, and help ensure quality systems compliance, timelines, and safety policies are followed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience (academic or internship).

Responsibilities

• Assist with stage-gate product development activities including the execution of experiments related to assay development, validation, and transfer.
• Support project documentation and progress tracking (e.g. Smartsheet).
• Make regular updates to team visual management boards.
• Apply EBOS principles including cadence, visual management, problem solving, and kaizen to work.
• Contribute to assay development, validation, and transfer activities in alignment with internal quality standards.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory notebooks.
• Execute laboratory experiments (e.g. ELISA, lateral flow) following established protocols and standard work.
• Perform routine lab tasks including sample preparation, pipetting, buffer preparation, and general lab operations.

Skills

Accountability

Analytical skills

Communication

Instruction-following

Data recording

Self-motivated

Excel

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry or related field

Tools

Smartsheet

Job description

Join EnviroLogix and you’ll be a part of a team that is pushing diagnostic boundaries forward in the life science laboratories, grain markets and the food supply chain. We value the diverse knowledge and experience of all team members and seek cross-functional teams at every level. From the beginning, our motivation has been to create breakthrough diagnostic technologies, seeking innovative ways to help customers solve their problems. The drive to pioneer advancements continues today, as we develop smart, simple diagnostic technology.

Job Description Responsibilities Include

• Assist with stage-gate product development activities including the execution of experiments related to assay development, validation, and transfer
• Support project documentation and progress tracking (e.g. Smartsheet)
• Make regular updates to team visual management boards
• Apply foundational continuous Ensign Bickford Operating System (EBOS) principals including cadence, visual management, problem solving, and kaizen to work
• Contribute to assay development, validation, and transfer activities in alignment with internal quality standards
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and up-to-date laboratory notebooks
• Execute laboratory experiments (e.g. ELISA, lateral flow) following established protocols and standard work
• Perform routine lab tasks including sample preparation, pipetting, buffer preparation, and general lab operations
• Accurately document experimental procedures, results, and observations in electronic laboratory notebooks
• Analyze experimental data using tools such as Excel or similar data analysis software
• Identify trends, inconsistencies, and potential issues in datasets
• Prepare and present experimental findings to peers, manager, and at team data reviews
• Provide regular updates to team leader, program manager, and manager
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including R&D, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing
• Contribute to documentation such as reports, test plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Maintain knowledge of raw materials and proper handling techniques
• Adhere to timelines and communicate progress or challenges to supervisor
• Handle regulated materials (including seed stewardship materials) in accordance with internal quality standards
• Follow all safety policies and procedures; report unsafe conditions promptly
• Participate in knowledge-sharing activities such as Journal Club, Skill Matrix trainings, or internal learning programs
• Lead by example through adherence to protocols, teamwork, and positive work ethic

Skills Required

• Accountability, reliability, and attention to detail in daily work and documentation
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills within a team environment and communicate clearly
• Ability to follow instructions and learn new techniques quickly
• Experience in data recording and basic data interpretation
• Self-motivated with a willingness to learn and grow
• Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
• Positive attitude and collaborative work ethic

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field
• Hand-on laboratory experience (academic or internship)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with assay development, diagnostics, or applied research
• Foundational knowledge of immunoassays and antibody-antigen interactions
• Exposure to validation, verification, or quality systems
• Familiarity with regulated environments and documentation standards
• Experience with electronic lab notebooks and Smartsheet (or similar project management tools)

EnviroLogix is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

EnviroLogix is a global leader in the development of rapid GMO and mycotoxin detection technology. Our experienced staff closely monitors global issues in the food production chain, finding solutions to challenges before they even arise. Founded in 1996, EnviroLogix opened a second office in Brazil in 2007 and was purchased by Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. in 2010. From the beginning, our motivation has been to create breakthrough diagnostic technologies, seeking innovative ways to help customers solve their problems. The drive to pioneer advancements continues today, as we develop smart, simple diagnostic technology. EnviroLogix’ rapid growth has been fueled by our reputation as a dependable partner and sustained by exceptional customer service and support. Join EnviroLogix and you’ll be a part of a team that is pushing diagnostic boundaries forward in the life science laboratories, grain markets and the food supply chain. We value the diverse knowledge and experience of all team members and seek cross-functional teams at every level. And, we take pride in being a fun and friendly place to work – whether on a company outing to set sail across Casco Bay or just shooting hoops in the parking lot, we offer many ways to connect that go beyond the lab and the office. As a part of the Ensign-Bickford family of companies, we share a common set of core values.