Research Associate

About the role

This role is located onsite in Lenexa, KS. We are seeking candidates who are currently located within commuting distance of the facility. As a Research Associate, you will support research focused on animal health through a combination of laboratory and field-based activities. Working alongside experienced scientists, veterinarians, and research staff, you will contribute to virology, vaccine development, cell culture, sample processing, and much more. This position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience, develop technical research skills, and play an important role in advancing innovative animal health solutions.

Kemin is 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. 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 operate in 90 countries, with manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab experiments within well-defined guidelines and under direct supervision.
• Conduct serum neutralization assays and other virology-based laboratory procedures following established protocols.
• Complete sample preparation, processing, titration, and pipetting activities to support research projects.
• Utilize laboratory equipment, including microscopes and other analytical instruments, to collect and evaluate research data.
• Collaborate with research scientists, veterinarians, and technical staff to support ongoing laboratory and field studies.
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries.
• Draft SOPs, technical documentation, research protocols, and research methods, with supervision.
• Perform basic data analysis, with supervision.
• Collect, interpret, and document research data, with supervision.
• Prepare and present research data and analytics in multiple formats.
• Contribute to scientific publications used for internal purposes.
• Sample preparation and stability study management.
• Data compilation and reporting.
• Analytical support for supplier qualification projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Science-related field with 0-3 years of experience OR Associate’s Degree in a Science-related field with 2+ years of experience.
• Laboratory experience, including aseptic technique, pipetting, sample processing, or microbiological procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects efficiently.
• Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• Reliable and self-motivated.
• Good understanding of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Basic understanding of English, both written and oral.
• Ability to interact well with others in a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive Financial Package: Rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: 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: Opportunities for growth and development throughout your career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: In-house learning platforms with thousands of training resources (live and online) and tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.