Senior Research Associate - Palatants and Proteins

We're hiring! Kemin is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join our palatant and protein research and development team in Des Moines, Iowa.  This position is responsible for being a technical lead with focus on regional product development and customer application projects. 

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 in more than 120 countries.   

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 Program 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. 

• Independently lead multiple R&D projects. 
• Manage priorities and set realistic timelines. 
• Collaborate across functional groups to facilitate projects.
• Act as technical lead on multiple cross functional teams. Review protocols and design of experiments proving feedback and directions.
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries.
• Actively identify and lead research areas for palatant and protein that could lead to new product development or process improvements. 
• Develop SOPs, research protocols, and research methods, with minimal supervision.
• Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Independently perform advanced data analysis and review other's data. 
• Independently perform laboratory experiments (plan, execute, and interpret results).
• Independently develop SOPs, research protocols, and research methods. 
• Prepare and present research reports in multiple formats for both internal and external audiences.
• Generate 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.
• Maintain and troubleshoot issues with laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Manage and mentor direct reports to reach goals.
• May participate in the evaluation of intellectual property.
  
• May participate in the strategic planning process.
  
• Interact with customers to address technical or regulatory questions and provides solutions to problems regarding Kemin.
• Foster a collaborative team environment. 
• Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks.

• Education and Experience:
  • Master's Degree in Chemistry, Animal, or Food Science preferred with 1-3 years of related experience OR
  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Animal, or Food Science preferred with 5-8 years of related experience 
• Experience with palatant and protein hydrolysate development, testing, and manufacturing high desired. 
• Pet food manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Must have a solid understanding and adherence to the Servant Leadership philosophy
  
• Detail oriented, organized, prioritization skills, and motivated by accomplishment.
  
• Must be able to work independently and have the ability to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment
  
• Ability to interact well with others in a team environment.
  
• Strong experimental design and problem solving skills.
  
• Ability to present ideas effectively
  
• Good written and oral communication skills, suitable for external presentations.
  
• Basic understanding of English, both written and oral.
  
• Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.)
  
• Ability to understand and perform basic statistical analysis
  
• Analytical lab skills.
  
• Ability to maintain instruments.
  
• Excellent Scientific skills in experiment design and data collection.
• Scientific curiosity and innovation.
• Handle multiple projects efficiently. 
• Reliable and self-motivated.
• Good project management skills. 
• Fluent in English. 

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. 

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