Associate Scientist

Join our team at Kemin! We are seeking an Associate Scientist to support our pet food division in Des Moines, Iowa. In this role, you'll lead multiple R&D projects across various functions, collaborating with lead scientists to plan, develop, and implement laboratory or field research studies. You will independently design and execute research methods, protocols, and projects while analyzing and interpreting data to contribute to reports and presentations. Additionally, you may engage in external research collaborations and perform tasks in a laboratory or research setting

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Chemistry and bring valuable experience in antioxidants and pet food.

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. 

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

• Independently conduct innovative scientific experiments and translate research into practical applications. 
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries that are incorporated into strategy.
• Independently develop and review SOP’s, research protocols and research methods; design safety procedures.
• Independently perform advanced data analysis and review other’s data to provide input and insight.
• Independently, collect, interpret and document research data.
• Generate scientific publications for internal and external publication, with guidance and review.
• Prepare and present data analytics and research in multiple formats both internally and externally.
• Review internal publication across Kemin.
• Identify and participate in external research collaborations.
• Contribute to strategic planning process and customer meetings.
• Provides instruction and training to interns and junior staff.
• Manage and/or mentor direct reports to reach SMART goals.
• Other duties/projects as assigned. 

• Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors Degree in Chemistry with 7+ years of related experience OR
  • Masters Degree in Chemistry with 3+ years of related experience OR
  • PhD in Chemistry with 1+ year of relate experience
• Excellent Scientific skills in experiment design and data collection, able to maintain instruments.
• Must be able to work independently or on a team and have the ability to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.
• Detail oriented, organized, prioritization skills and motivated by accomplishment.
• Ability to understand and perform advanced statistical analysis.
• Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• Fluent in English. Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to present ideas effectively.
• Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Travel up to 10% for scientific trials. 

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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