Senior Research Associate - Microbes

Interested in a career that matters?

Interested in a career that matters?

Are you passionate about discovering microbial solutions that can contribute to the development of innovative products?  Join our Microbe Discovery team in Research Triangle Park, where scientists and research associates work together to discover, isolate, and characterize microorganisms. As part of Novonesis’ global Microbe and Culture Research organization, our team supports innovation across Plant and Animal Health, Human Health, Food and Beverage, and Household Care.

We perform in-vitro and in-silico screening campaigns to identify organisms for commercially relevant product concepts and provide scientific insights to colleagues and customers.

The Role & Your Impact

As a Senior Research Associate, you will use your laboratory expertise and scientific curiosity to investigate biological solutions. You will independently plan and conduct experiments, interpret results, and help improve the workflows that support our microbial discovery programs.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Plan, execute, troubleshoot, and document laboratory experiments that evaluate the efficacy of new biological strains and molecules.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental data through technical reports, summaries, protocols, and presentations.
• Apply your laboratory experience to resolve experimental challenges and support project objectives.
• Improve laboratory workflows and processes to increase efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and functional laboratory while ensuring the traceability of experiments, samples, and results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams, share technical knowledge, and adopt new laboratory and data-analysis methods that advance team goals.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or another relevant scientific discipline.
• At least 3 years of relevant, hands-on laboratory experience in an academic or industrial research environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret laboratory experiments.
• Hands-on experience with aseptic techniques and the safe handling of microbial cultures and laboratory materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a detail-oriented and self-driven approach to laboratory work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports, summaries, protocols, and presentations.
• The ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional and global teams.
• Current and future authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

The following qualifications are not required, but would be valuable in this role:

• Experience with DNA sequencing, microbiomics, bioinformatics, image analysis, or enzymatic assays.
• Experience managing and analyzing scientific data using tools such as Benchling, Python, or JMP.
• A passion for scientific discovery and continuous learning.
• A positive, collaborative, and team-oriented approach.
• A willingness to take on new challenges and adapt to changing priorities.
• A proactive mindset and a strong commitment to quality.

What We Offer

You will join a collaborative team that values honest, open communication and believes in having fun while delivering meaningful results.

The position offers:

• Purposeful work contributing to the discovery of biological solutions for multiple industries.
• Opportunities to develop new laboratory, data-analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaboration with scientists, research associates, and cross-functional colleagues across a global organization.
• The opportunity to contribute ideas and help improve laboratory practices and workflows.
• A flexible, supportive environment that encourages professional growth, curiosity, and continuous learning.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

This position is based on-site in Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina, and is performed in a research laboratory during standard daytime business hours.

The role involves routine laboratory activities, including periods of standing, walking, and handling laboratory materials, samples, and equipment. Occasional schedule flexibility or overtime may be required to support experimental workflows and project deadlines.

Employees are expected to follow all applicable laboratory safety procedures, documentation practices, and site requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting pay: $70,000-$85,000 based on experience
• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution 
• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time  
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance   
• Healthcare savings account option  
• Employee assistance program  
• Parental leave 
• Tuition reimbursement  
• All benefits begin on your first day 

Relevant Information

Application deadline: 11/20/26

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore other openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career