Research Associate - Fermentation

Kemin Industries is seeking a Research Associate - Fermentation to join the Enzyme Technology team! In this role, you will provide research and development support for fermentation product development projects. This person will also provide support in various research projects or may independently perform small research projects as needed. 

The position is based at Kemin Industries in Des Moines, Iowa.

The exempt level position is 40 hours per week but requires flexibility.

Hours may include evenings and/or weekends. 

We Are Kemin  

We are visionaries who see things differently and are inspired by the world around us.   

We have been dedicated to using applied science to improve the quality of life for over half a century.  

We are a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services.   

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products to customers around the world.    

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States. 

As a Kemin team member, you’ll receive…  

• A competitive financial package- in addition to your salary, we offer an uncapped bonus opportunity, 401k match program, and paid vacation and holidays. 
• Robust health and wellness support- we are proud to offer a fitness reimbursement (for your whole family!), an on-site fitness center, restaurant with seasonal fresh food options (and the ability to order food to bring home), and free fresh fruit in break areas- to name a few.  
• Continued learning opportunities- Kemin offers tuition reimbursement and recently launched a new corporate university with online and in-person training opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.  
• The chance to give back to our world- Through our foundation of servant leadership, we are proud to offer ample service opportunities, including paid time off to do so. Kemin has a valued corporate partnership with both The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, in addition to many local initiatives. 
• Opportunities to support our valued educators- Kemin is a proud sponsor of the Iowa Governor's Stem Advisory Council where we fund annual teacher's awards. In addition, we have a robust internship and externship program, and frequently host student tours

• Support other scientists and work independently in performing laboratory experiments in the fermentation laboratory.
• Daily responsibilities include preparing cell cultures, such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial strains, conducting fermentation batches, performing post-operation cleaning, and maintaining relevant documentation.
• Assist in planning, executing, and analyzing microbial fermentation process development experiments in either the lab or at a pilot facility.
• Equipment includes fermentation equipment (1-L, 10-L, and 100-L), sterilization equipment, down-stream processing equipment, and computer controls.
• Draft SOPs and research protocols, with supervision
• Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Perform data analysis, with supervision
• Complete multiple projects in a timely manner.
• Prepare and present research reports in multiple formats
• Contribute to scientific publications used for internal purposes.  May be cited as an author following Kemin’s authorship guidelines.
• Must adhere to laboratory standard operating procedures, documentation and guidelines
• Interact with customers to address technical or regulatory questions and provides solutions to problems regarding Kemin.
• Maintain lab supply inventory

• Education & Experience:
• • Bachelor’s Degree with 2+ years of related experience scientific and engineering background 
  • Or Associates Degree with 3+ years of related experience scientific and engineering background 
• Support other scientists and work independently in performing laboratory
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Analytical lab skills.
• Working knowledge of statistics for the analytical laboratory.
• Ability to maintain instruments.
• Excellent Scientific skills in experiment design and data collection.
• Working understanding of computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Demonstrated organizational and prioritization skills.
• Scientific curiosity and innovative thinking
• Handle multiple projects efficiently.
• Reliable and self-motivated.
• Good written and oral communication skills, suitable for external presentations.
• Ability to interact well with others in a team environment.
• Basic understanding of English, both written and oral.
• Good project management skills.

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

#LI-KS1