Scientist

About the role

Step into the forefront of animal health innovation as a Scientist, where your expertise directly contributes to the development of vaccines and disease prevention solutions. In this role, you'll design and execute complex virology studies involving virus isolation, propagation, titration, and cell culture systems while applying creative scientific thinking to solve challenging research questions. From experimental design to data interpretation, your work will help transform scientific discoveries into practical applications that make a meaningful impact on animal health worldwide.

This role is located onsite in Lenexa, KS.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct innovative scientific experiments and translate research into practical applications.
• Design and execute virology and cell culture experiments, including virus isolation, propagation, titration, serum neutralization, hemagglutination, and hemagglutination inhibition, and interpret results to advance research objectives.
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries that are incorporated into strategy.
• Independently develop and review SOPs, research protocols and research methods; design safety procedures.
• Independently perform advanced data analysis and review others' data to provide input and insight.
• Must keep detailed records of activities and prepare written documents including research reports and method protocols.
• Generate scientific publications for internal and external publication.
• Prepare and present data analytics and research in multiple formats both internally and externally.
• Review internal publication across Kemin.
• Identify and participate in external research collaborations.
• Contribute to strategic planning process and customer meetings.
• Provides instruction and training to interns and junior staff.
• Ability to balance multiple projects, meet deadlines, meticulous record keeping skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to work independently but also cooperate and work well with the entire R&D team.
• Other duties/projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific field with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's Degree or PhD in a scientific field with 5+ years of relevant experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with virus isolation, propagation, and titration techniques.
• Hands-on experience performing virology assays, including serum neutralization, hemagglutination, and hemagglutination inhibition assays.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, including roller bottle cell culture systems, and BSL-2 experience required.
• Excellent laboratory documentation practices and ability to analyze complex datasets.
• Superb attention to detail; produces work of exceptional quality and accuracy.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment; able to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent scientific skills in experiment design and data collection with the ability to perform advanced statistical analysis.
• Very strong analytical and problem-solving skills with strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• Ability to proactively identify issues and address with solutions-oriented approach.
• Proven interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management skills.
• Fluent in English.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to present ideas effectively.
• Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, DNA extraction, and RNA extraction.
• Knowledge of vaccine research and development processes.
• Experience working with USDA regulatory requirements and compliance programs.
• Familiarity with assay development, optimization, and validation.

Benefits

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• 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 volunteering in your community.