Research Associate

Job Description

Research Associate - Madison, WI

 

The IFF Madison site manufactures probiotics for use in dietary supplements (DS). The Probiotic Development (PD) Stability Team investigates how these probiotics perform in their final applications; stability studies determine whether a probiotic will maintain its potency over time.  The Research Associate (RA) will participate in active generation of data for these studies.  

The primary role of the position will be bacterial plating, enumeration, data entry, and analysis. As time permits, the RA will undertake additional research projects by executing and analyzing studies with minimal supervision.  These projects may use standard microbiological techniques or molecular methods and may investigate bacterial viability, strain identification methods, next generation probiotic development, or equipment validation. 

Active participation in weekly lab meetings and occasional oral presentation of project results are mandatory requirements of the position.  The ability to maintain complete and accurate records is essential.   Media preparation and dish washing are expected of the position on a rotating basis, when necessary.  
Collaboration with PD team members, other IFF employees and other internal or external stakeholders is essential to the position.  The Research Associate may also represent the PD team on various IFF committees such as Safety, Ergonomics, Activities, or Green committees, and may participate in sitewide activities such as community outreach, educational science fairs, and employee appreciation/recognition events.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 

• Stability study enumeration, data entry (60%)
• Exploratory research (30%)
• Presentation of results/writing (5%)
• Media prep/dish washing (5%)
• Other job functions as assigned

 

Job Requirements:

 

• Bachelor’s degree and experience working with probiotics highly desired
• Mastery of microbiology aseptic technique 
• Experience using microbiological methods such as pour plating, pipetting, enumeration methods 
• Ability to use a database/complex sets of data and use custom data visualization applications 
• Ability to execute and analyze research studies and equipment validation
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with other units 
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required

 

 

While we are interested in all qualified candidates with the potential to work in the United States, we are not able to sponsor visas. Additionally, to qualify for this position, you must be proficient in English, including reading, writing, and verbal communication.

 

At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability. Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more…