Full-time Molecular Diagnostics Research Associate

Hours:

Full-time, first shift
Location: Lansing, Mich.

Your purpose:

The Molecular Diagnostics Research Associate position is part of a motivated team of interdisciplinary researchers who are passionate about serving American dairy and beef producers through novel, cost-effective, and evidence-based diagnostic solutions. This full-time role with our research and development (R&D) business unit, known as AntelBio, supports ongoing research projects focused on the design, development, and implementation of molecular diagnostic assays for dairy and beef cattle. The position emphasizes laboratory-based research, experimental design, data analysis, and applied field research to advance molecular diagnostics within the agricultural industry.

Day-to-day responsibilities:

• Conduct research activities related to ongoing projects involving the design, development, and implementation of molecular diagnostic assays.
• Perform laboratory work using molecular biology and microbiology techniques, including PCR and ELISA.
• Contribute to protocol development, experimental design, troubleshooting, and optimization of assays.
• Analyze, record, summarize, and report research data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Maintain thorough and reproducible laboratory documentation in accordance with established procedures.
• Participate in ongoing field trials, including farm visits and milk- and blood-sample collection.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and communicate effectively with co-workers, field staff, customers, and leadership.
• Consistently demonstrate a thorough knowledge of and support for CentralStar’s mission, vision, culture initiative, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, adapting to changes in responsibilities and scope as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in biological sciences or a related field, with two years of related research experience
• Laboratory experience with PCR and ELISA technologies
• Advanced laboratory skills, including use of pipets, scales, pH meters, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, thermocyclers, microscopes, and other routinely-used equipment for molecular biology
• Analytical ability with a high degree of accuracy to effectively generate, summarize, and report data in publishable form
• Independence with strong planning, organizational, thoroughness, and time-management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple projects or assignments simultaneously and adapt to changing situations
• Effective and practical understanding of biological, genetic, and biochemical systems, particularly with respect to molecular biology in the agricultural industry
• Good interpersonal, oral, presentation, and written communication skills to effectively communicate with customers, field staff, and co-workers at all levels
• Familiarity with sequence-analysis software and web-based tools such as molecular-cloning software, BLAST, and genome browsers
• Good computer skills including, but not limited to, word processing, Microsoft 365, customer resource management systems, spreadsheets, and various e-mail platforms, with the ability to learn and adapt to new systems as they’re implemented
• Ability to regularly sit, stand, walk, bend, climb, lift, and carry objects up to 50 pounds
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in all areas, including corporate finances, product and trade secrets, and all employee-team-member or customer information protected by federal, state, and/or local laws
• An animal-agriculture background is preferred, but not mandatory.

Compensation:

• Hourly wage;
• Paid time off;
• Health-, dental-, and vision-insurance options;
• Flexible-spending account;
• 401 (k) – retirement savings plan with up to 4% match;
• Company-sponsored life insurance and long-term-disability insurance;
• Optional short-term-disability insurance;
• Continuing-education opportunities;
• Employee-assistance program; and
• Employee-awards program.
• We prefer to promote from within when advancement opportunities arise. Our investment in your training is critical in maintaining that goal.

About CentralStar Cooperative:

CentralStar’s mission of enhancing producer profitability through integrated solutions for mutual success is fulfilled by incorporating an array of products and services critical to dairy-and-beef-farm prosperity. CentralStar’s product and service offerings include Accelerated Genetics, GenerVations and Select Sires genetics; extensive artificial-insemination (A.I.) technician service; genetic, reproduction, and dairy-records consultation; DHI services; diagnostic testing; herd-management products; research and development; and more. CentralStar’s administration and warehouse facilities are located in Lansing, Mich., and Waupun, Wis., with laboratories in Grand Ledge, Mich., and Kaukauna, Wis. The cooperative serves dairy and beef producers throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, with additional DHI territory in various surrounding states.