Research Associate

$40,000 - $55,000/Yr

BCforward - Johnston, IA

Full-time

Johnston, IA

5,001-10,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

BC Forward is seeking a Contract Research Associate specializing in Protein Science to join the Seeds Regulatory Science team. This role is pivotal in assessing protein safety in biotechnology products for global regulatory submissions. As a Research Associate, you will collaborate with a team of researchers to generate essential data that confirms the safety of products intended for human, animal, and environmental consumption. Your contributions will be critical in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and advancing the field of biotechnology. In this position, you will work under the guidance of Study Directors to conduct regulatory protein safety studies. Your primary focus will be on the characterization and quantification of proteins in biotech products. You will support your team in generating protein biochemistry data that is vital for regulatory science purposes. Additionally, you will provide analytical support to other functional groups within the seeds regulatory science team, ensuring that all scientific data is generated and presented using established formats and templates. Maintaining general laboratory operations will also be part of your responsibilities, which includes inventory management and the preparation of routine reagents. You will be expected to meticulously record and manage inventory and research materials, adhering to quality management systems and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Participation in audits to ensure compliance with protocols and reporting standards will also be required, emphasizing the importance of quality and accuracy in your work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regulatory protein safety studies under the guidance of Study Directors, focusing on characterization and quantification of proteins in biotech products.
• Support a team of researchers in generating protein biochemistry data for regulatory science purposes.
• Provide protein analytical support to other functional groups within the seeds regulatory science team.
• Generate and present scientific data using established formats and templates.
• Maintain general laboratory operations including inventory upkeep and preparation of routine reagents.
• Record and manage inventory and research materials meticulously.
• Adhere to quality management systems, GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) programs, and participate in audits to ensure compliance with protocols and reporting standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific field.
• Demonstrated laboratory skills with experience in designing and conducting experiments, particularly in protein biochemistry and characterization techniques such as Western Blotting and immunoassays.
• Knowledge and some experience in plant protein purification techniques is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a creative approach to scientific challenges.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in interactions via phone, email, and in-person.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in record keeping and documentation.

Benefits

• Major medical insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employer-provided group life insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• 401k retirement plan