Overview
Under general guidance, the Associate Scientist is responsible for leading multiple R&D projects within or across multiple functions. She/he collaborates and assists in the planning, development, and implementation of research studies/projects that have a focus on intestinal health and nutritional efficiency. This includes but is not limited to R&D of products and services surrounding prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotic, enzymes, adsorption enhancers and related biochemical pathways and biomarkers. A clear understanding of the digestive system, the gut-blood barrier, and the microbiome is expected.
The Associate Scientist designs and independently executes standard research methods, protocols, studies and projects. Analyzes, evaluates and interprets data, and contributes as appropriate to the development of research reports and presentations associated with research findings. The Associate Scientist may identify and participate in external research collaborations. The Associate Scientist performs tasks in a laboratory or other research setting. The primary responsibility is driving and executing product innovation and development projects. The Associate Scientist takes on the responsibility to deliver the required output surrounding the assigned research development and innovation projects. As senior expert you take responsibility to achieve the team’s KPI’s and you disseminate product and domain knowledge within the innovation team.
Responsibilities
Research Planning & Development
- Collaborate with marketing and research teams to design and develop research protocols that lead to the commercialization of innovative products and services that relate to intestinal health and nutritional efficiency. Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to support research hypotheses and experimental design. Identify and participate in external research collaborations. (50%)
- Develop and optimize experimental protocols for enzyme activity assays, biomarker analyses, metabolic and microbiome investigations. Independently perform advanced data analysis and review other’s data to provide actionable insights. (15%)
- Contribute to internal and external grant proposals, research plans, and scientific publications and presentations. (15%)
- Contribute to strategic planning and customer events. (10%)
- Coach and manage team members. Provide instructions and training to interns and junior staff. (10%)
Laboratory Operations & Experimentation
- Conduct enzyme kinetics studies including determination of kinetic parameters (Km, Vmax, kcat).
- Implement bionic digestive system methods to evaluate impact of digestive enzymes and feed additives on nutritional parameters.
- Perform product recoveries and biomarker analysis using validated analytical methods including ELISA, immunoassays, PCR and chromatographic techniques.
- Perform microbiome analysis including sample processing, DNA/RNA extraction, and downstream molecular characterization.
- Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and ISO standards.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation
Data Management & Analysis
- Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical methods and software.
- Prepare comprehensive reports, presentations, and scientific manuscripts.
- Ensure data integrity, quality control, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Contribute to the interpretation of results, formulation of conclusions that can be translated into marketing collaterals.
Project Implementation & Coordination
- Manage multiple research projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, operations, and external collaborators.
- Train and mentor junior laboratory staff and students
Qualifications
Education
- Master's degree in Biochemistry, OR
- Master's degree in Molecular Biology, OR
- PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related field
Technical Expertise
- Proven expertise in enzyme kinetics assays and analysis.
- Demonstrated laboratory experience with biomarker analysis techniques.
- Proficiency in PCR techniques and molecular biology methods.
- Strong understanding of the digestive system and gastrointestinal physiology, and knowledge of the gut-blood barrier function.
- Comprehensive understanding of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics.
- Familiarity with microbiome research methodologies and current literature.
- Understanding of related AI applications.
Essential Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Proficient in data analysis, statistical software and AI tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature.
Preferred Qualifications
- Practical experience with biological mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS², GC-EI-MS)
- Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis
- Knowledge of bioinformatics tools for microbiome analysis
- Experience with metabolomics or proteomics approaches
- Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Experience with regulatory submissions or animal trial coordination.
- Familiarity with animal husbandry research and ethical considerations.
Competencies
- Scientific Rigor: Commitment to reproducibility, accuracy, and ethical research practices.
- Innovation: Ability to develop creative solutions to research challenges.
- Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to evolving research priorities and methodologies.
- Time Management: Capability to prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines.
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