Senior Research Associate - Kemin

Kemin Industries is hiring a Senior Research Associate to join the team! In this role, you will be responsible for participating in R&D projects, performing literature reviews. Additionally, you will participate in research that will lead to new product development and process improvement.

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 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. 

• Participate in R&D Projects and may lead smaller projects, independently.
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries.
• Participate in research that could lead to new product development or process involvement.
• Develop SOPs, research protocols, and research methods, with minimal supervision.
• Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Independently, perform basic data analysis (including basic statistics) and interpretation.
• Independently in perform laboratory experiments (plan, execute, and interpret results).
• Participate in multiple project teams.
• Develop detailed research plans with minimal supervision.
• 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.
• 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.

• Education & Experience:
  • Master’s degree in science with a minimium
    1+ years of related experience in Chemistry, organic chemistry, process chemistry, chemical engineering or material chemistry. 
  • Or Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of related experience in Chemistry, organic chemistry, process chemistry, chemical engineering or material chemistry.
    • Knowledge, experience in biotechnology or biochemistry will be welcomed/positive, but not mandatory.
• 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. 

#LI-KS1