Associate Scientist II

Associate Scientist Position II

InnoGenomics’ mission is to develop technologies that assist the forensic community in solving crimes and improving outcomes for victims. If you’re excited about using science to help people, we’d love to talk.

We are a research and development company located in the vibrant New Orleans area, focused on creating better tools for forensic DNA laboratories using novel materials and qPCR-based human assays. By leveraging our scientific expertise, the versatility of our team, and a “do whatever it takes” mentality, InnoGenomics has developed—and will continue to develop—innovative products that move forensic science into the future.

General Job Description:

We seek a full-time Associate Scientist II to join our R&D team. This role is primarily research and development-focused, with additional responsibility for small-batch manufacturing and quality control of our DNA extraction and DNA quantification kits, as well as preparation of mock forensic samples.

The position is ideal for a candidate with:

• A BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Forensic Biology, or a related field with at least two years of laboratory experience, or
• A recent Ph.D. in a related discipline.

The successful candidate will play an integral role in developing and improving our next generation of products for the forensic market. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular and cellular biology; hands-on experience with cellular digestion, DNA extraction/purification, and qPCR; and the ability to think creatively to solve challenging problems.

Physical requirements include walking, bending, carrying, and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs, as well as sufficient hand and finger dexterity to perform laboratory tasks.

Key Responsibilities

R&D and Product Improvement (Primary Focus)

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to support new product development and improvement of existing DNA extraction and quantification kits.
• Perform cellular digestion, DNA extraction, and PCR/qPCR-based assays, including setup, optimization, and data interpretation.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of novel technologies for human genetic analysis in forensic applications.
• Participate in validation studies for forensic products in accordance with FBI QAS and/or CLIA guidelines, as applicable.
• Summarize experimental data and present findings to the team; contribute to research manuscripts, grant proposals, application notes, and technical reports.

Manufacturing, QC, and Mock Sample Preparation

• Manufacture small-batch lots of DNA extraction and DNA quantification kits, including buffer and reagent preparation, aliquoting, labeling, and kit assembly according to SOPs.
• Perform quality control testing (including PCR/qPCR-based assays) to ensure lot-to-lot consistency and product performance.
• Prepare mock forensic samples (e.g., blood, saliva, semen, mixtures) for internal testing, validation studies, and customer evaluations.
• Maintain accurate batch records, QC documentation, and inventory records in alignment with internal quality systems.
• Assist with laboratory maintenance and decontamination, inventory management, and general lab upkeep.

Customer & Cross-Functional Support

• Provide technical support for forensic DNA products, including occasional product demonstrations and troubleshooting for customers (remote or on-site, as needed).
• Contribute to the preparation of customer-facing materials, such as protocols, FAQs, and technical summaries.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D, operations, and commercial teams in a small, multidisciplinary company environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS degree or recent Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Forensic Biology, or a related field; Candidates with a BS and ≥2 years of relevant laboratory experience will also be considered.
• Hands-on experience with DNA extraction and PCR/qPCR-based assays.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments in molecular biology/genetics.
• Strong problem-solving skills and experience troubleshooting experimental workflows.
• Ability to follow SOPs carefully while maintaining accurate laboratory records.
• Comfortable balancing R&D responsibilities with periodic, lot-based manufacturing and QC tasks.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, especially in preparing research reports, presentations, and customer-oriented materials.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, small-company environment.
• Willingness to perform any laboratory-related tasks needed to support R&D, manufacturing, QC, and operations, including decontamination and repetitive manual work.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in a forensic DNA, molecular diagnostics, or other quality-driven laboratory environment (e.g., ISO 17025, CLIA, GLP).
• Familiarity with QuantStudio qPCR instruments and the KingFisher Flex or similar automated extraction platforms.
• Experience with mock forensic sample preparation and/or forensic DNA workflows.
• Experience with method validation to FBI QAS and/or CLIA standard

Minimum Qualifications:

• MS or recent Ph D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Forensic Biology or related fields.
• Ability to design and implement new product development strategies and experiments
• Validate as per CLIA and/or FBI QAS guidelines clinical or forensic products.
• Ability to effectively communicate, specially prepare research papers, grant proposals and customer literatures.
• Be able to manage project and staff.
• Ability to travel to meeting or client sites for demo and trouble shooting.
• Able to perform any laboratory related jobs including laboratory decontamination, manufacturing of buffers and InnoGenomics products requiring repetitive manual work.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in a forensic DNA, molecular diagnostics, or other quality-driven laboratory environment (e.g., ISO 17025, CLIA, GLP).
• Familiarity with QuantStudio qPCR instruments and the KingFisher Flex or similar automated extraction platforms.
• Experience with forensic DNA workflows.
• Experience with method validation to FBI QAS and/or CLIA standards.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit cover letter and resume. Omission of either document will result in automatic removal from our selection process. Please include the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $1,000 - $1,500