Microbiology Research Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist in Food Science to join our team of experienced researchers and help strengthen our ingredientinnovation initiatives. We are seeking a scientist with a food science and technology background and hands-on experience of developing ingredients and/or food applications. This role will focus on developing new ingredients including source materials, formulations and processing, evaluating ingredients in food systems, and assisting in new product commercialization and troubleshooting existing products.

This position requires someone who can balance scientific rigor with creativity, and connecting science to practical, commercially viable solutions. Working alongside microbiologists, chemists and processing engineers, this individual will anchor the team with food science and industry expertise and help drive cleanlabel, affordable ingredient innovation.

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 design and conduct food science experiments to develop new ingredients, formulations, and application solutions.
• Develop and evaluate ingredient functionality in relevant food systems, including performance, stability, sensory impact, and processing compatibility.
• Develop and review experimental protocols, application testing methods, SOPs, and safe work procedures for laboratory and pilot-scale activities.
• Conduct literature, patent, competitor technology reviews to guide ingredient innovation strategy and application development.
• Prepare technical reports, invention disclosures, internal publications, and external communications with appropriate guidance and review.
• Present research findings, application results, and technical recommendations to internal teams, customers, and external collaborators as needed.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, regulatory, operations, sales, and marketing teams to support successful product development and commercialization.
• Identify and participate in external collaborations with suppliers, universities, customers, and technical partners to advance ingredient and application development.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to interns, junior scientists, and cross-functional team members.
• Maintain laboratory and instrument readiness by following proper operating procedures, calibration schedules, documentation practices, and routine maintenance requirements.

•  Education
  • Bachelor's Food Science, Chemistry or Biochemistry with 7+ years of relevant industrial experience
  • Master's in Food Science, Chemistry or Biochemistry with 3+ years of relevant industrial experience
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong foundation in food science, ingredient functionality, food chemistry, and food processing.
• Hands-on experience developing ingredients, formulations, or food applications in relevant food systems.
•  Experience designing experiments, developing testing protocols, collecting quality data, and maintaining laboratory or pilot-scale equipment.
•  Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines.
•  Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental and product performance data.
•  Strong scientific curiosity, practical problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking.
•  Ability to translate scientific findings into practical ingredient or application solutions preferred.
•  Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
•  Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common data analysis tools.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decisionmaking, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email TalentAcquisition.US@Kemin.com.

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

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

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