Research Associate - Pilot Lab

Hennessy Research Associates – a Kemin company is looking for a Research Associate to work closely with and support projects led by the Pilot Lab Application Engineering Manager. This role operates within an aseptic, operations‑driven environment where tasks are aligned to the production schedule. This work centers on cell, viral, and bacterial vaccine manufacturing, requiring strong technical execution and attention to detail. The Research Associate serves as the critical middle point between research and manufacturing, ensuring that methods developed in R&D can be executed reliably, safely, and efficiently at scale. Success in this role requires someone who is hands‑on, persistent, and unafraid to push through obstacles when challenges arise.

The Research Associate will sit on-site in Lenexa, KS.

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:

As a Kemin team member, you’ll receive…  

• A competitive financial package- in addition to your salary, we offer an uncapped bonus opportunity, 401k match program, and paid vacation and holidays. 
• Health and wellness support- we are proud to offer a fitness reimbursement (for your whole family!)
• Continued learning opportunities- Kemin offers tuition reimbursement and recently launched a new corporate university with online and in-person training opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.  
• The chance to give back to our world- Through our foundation of servant leadership, we are proud to offer ample service opportunities, including paid time off to do so. Kemin has a valued corporate partnership with both The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, in addition to many local initiatives. 
• Opportunities to support our valued educators- Kemin is a proud sponsor of the Iowa Governor's Stem Advisory Council where we fund annual teacher's awards. In addition, we have a robust internship and externship program, and frequently host student tours. 

• Perform lab experiments within well-defined guidelines and under direct supervision; operate laboratory equipment.
• Prepare solutions, set up equipment, perform sampling, conduct in‑process testing, and complete end‑of‑run cleanup
• Assist with project planning and scheduling
• Perform testing and data analysis
• Execute project tasks, including optimization runs and equivalency studies
• Support auction‑acquired equipment start‑up, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance
• Coordinate with vendors
• Perform calibrations
• Learn and understand equipment operation
• Support new equipment start‑up, troubleshooting, and maintenance
• Create, revise, and update batch records
• Develop new procedures for facility operations and new equipment
• Set up downstream processing operations
• Clean and organize downstream areas
• Run and maintain downstream processes
• Assist with scale‑up activities
• Operate and maintain fermentor vessels and processes
• Order and organize equipment
• Clean and maintain production areas
• Order supplies and maintain accurate inventory levels

• Education
  • Associates Degree with 2+ years of relevant experience in a pilot lab
  • Bachelors Degree with 0-3 years of relevant experience in a pilot lab
• Aseptic technique experience within a cGMP manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with equipment setup, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
• Background in cell culture laboratory operations, including handling of mammalian or microbial systems.
• Familiarity with downstream processing (e.g., filtration, chromatography, clarification).
• Experience operating or supporting bench‑scale or pilot‑scale fermentors/bioreactors.
• Ability to work under pressure and able to 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.

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 decision‑making, 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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