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Part-Time Research Associate

At Houdek, we are pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture by transforming soybeans into high-value ingredients that support animal health, environmental stewardship, and food system innovation. Based in Volga, South Dakota, we take pride in creating products that are rooted in science, powered by nature, and designed to make a meaningful difference.

We're growing fast and looking for people who want to be part of something bold and impactful. Our team works with purpose and pride, guided by the core values that shape our culture:

• Safety - We are committed to maintaining a safe, responsible, and healthy environment for all.
• Quality - From process to product, we hold ourselves to the highest standards.
• Respect - We foster a workplace where every voice matters and collaboration thrive.
• Transparency - We communicate clearly, honestly, and often with our teams and our partners.
• Innovation - We challenge convention, solve complex problems, and drive new possibilities every day.

If you're ready to join a team working toward a more sustainable future, we invite you to apply today!

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Prairie AquaTech, LLC (dba. Houdek) is a technology company based in Brookings, South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high quality feed ingredients and the solutions they enable. Using patented technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading plant-based commodities, such as soybean meal and distillers' grain, to sustainable, high-quality ingredients and their applications for use in aquaculture and other specialty animal feeds.

The Research Associate will assist with a variety of experiments and tests under the supervision of the Vice President of Technology and Project Leader(s). Specific areas of work will include typical daily laboratory tasks in R&D and Manufacturing, analytical instrumentation routine care, experimental setup, execution, and data recording. The R&D work will focus on carrying out experimental designs and assisting in data collection and analysis related to chemical and biological tasks.

Responsibilities

• Alignment with company culture, mission, and vision.
• Chromatography: Sample preparation, loading, and running.
• Protein Chemistry: Prepare samples and run them internally on LECO, SDS-PAGE, etc.
• Feedstock Composition Chemistry (fat, fiber, ash, phytic acid, etc.)
• Fiber: Familiarity with crude fiber, NDF, and ADF and methods to differentiate.
• QT-PCR extraction and analysis.
• Assays & Enzymes: Ability to perform assays for quantifying protein and sugar metabolism.
• Operating and maintaining lab equipment, as well as analytical instruments
• Setting up and executing experiments (both chemical and microbiological in nature) in alignment with experimental protocols, sample tables, and standard operating procedures.
• Producing and effectively communicating reliable and precise data to support R&D and manufacturing operations.
• Recording laboratory data in accordance with the company's policy.
• Make and record observations, perform calculations, and collect and prepare data for evaluation by the team on a weekly basis.
• Conduct support functions with team members such as stocking and distributing supplies and equipment.
• Carry out all laboratory functions in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices, all Company Policies and Procedures as well as applicable regulatory standards.
• Additional responsibilities will include assisting with laboratory purchasing, developing and maintaining inventories of chemicals and supplies, and waste management.
• Support in updating standard operating procedures, execution protocols, sample tables, etc.
• Executing and documenting tasks related to the quality log.
• Maintain a clean working environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Pursuing a bachelor's Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field of study.
• Must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Houdek does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B, or TN status) for this position.
• Molecular biology experience (PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, transformation)
• Experience performing laboratory testing, sample collection, and analyses.
• Scientific, yet practical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong understanding of scientific methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work on cross-functional teams and to prioritize and manage multiple demands

Preferred Qualifications:

• Sterile fermentation experience.
• Knowledge of amino acid chemistry, protein dispersibility index, and molecular weight distribution. Previous experience with SDS-PAGE.
• 2 years of industry experience operating and maintaining lab equipment and analytical equipment
• Familiarity with carbohydrates and proteases.
• Mass Balance: Strong understanding of mass balance.

Job Location: Brookings, SD

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee employment. As part of our hiring process, Houdek reserves the right to conduct background investigations, which may include verification of education, past employment, and professional references, as well as criminal history checks where permitted by law. Background checks will be conducted when deemed necessary and appropriate for the role being considered, and any such inquiries will be handled in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment consideration. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the conviction. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge and understand that falsification of information may result in removal from the hiring process or termination if already employed.