Associate Scientist

Position Overview:
This role is primarily based in our R&D laboratory and plays a critical role in developing, optimizing, and transferring microbiological innovations into production. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented biologist and critical thinker who excels at problem-solving in a fast-paced research environment and can work effectively both independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply analytical chemistry principles to accurately calculate media components for standard and specialized media formulations, including nanoscale calculations.
• Conduct microbiological research and experimentation to support R&D and production initiatives.
• Perform microbial cultivation using aseptic techniques and conduct bacterial enumeration in accordance with standard methods and scientific instrumentation.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot 3–10 L bench-scale fermenters, leveraging hands-on experience and a strong foundation in fermentation principles.
• Support experimental design, scale-up, and implementation of R&D technologies into production processes.
• Calibrate, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments, including gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) systems.
• Review and apply scientific literature to design, plan, execute, and troubleshoot experiments.
• Accurately document experimental data using Excel spreadsheets, batch records, and laboratory logs.
• Enter, analyze, and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods to identify trends and knowledge gaps.
• Develop and validate scientific protocols, translate validated methods into standard operating procedures (SOPs), and author comprehensive scientific reports.
• Follow established protocols while adhering to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Identify out-of-specification results, communicate findings to supervisors, and support investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintain complete and accurate records to ensure a robust audit trail of R&D activities.
• Support laboratory organization, housekeeping, and maintenance of equipment, materials, and glassware.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s degree with at least three (3) years of relevant experience, or a PhD with at least one (1) year of research experience, in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological techniques, including aseptic processing and bacterial enumeration.
• Familiarity with GLP, GMP, and laboratory documentation practices.
• Experience with laboratory instruments, calibration, and maintenance.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, calculations, and recordkeeping.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis and interpretation of large datasets.

Physical Requirements:

Capable of communicating, receiving, and comprehending information and ideas from diverse groups of people clearly and logically. Work while standing upright or stationary for the duration of typical working hours, lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Capable of working in non-traditional work environments, possess proficiency in using and learning standard office equipment and technology. You may be exposed to potentially hazardous elements, such as infectious agents often found in Biotech or laboratory environments, and perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Axiota offers a competitive base salary plus bonus and benefits, which include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K retirement plan w/match FSA, HSA, EAP, short-term and long-term disability, paid time off, and nine paid holidays.

Axiota is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to foster a culture of respect and seek to empower each individual.   All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, experience, and abilities. This employer uses E-Verify.