Research Biologist

Position: Research Biologist

Location: Lemont, Illinois (on-site everyday)

Pay Range: $20/hr - $24/hr

Start Date: 2/2/26

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature searches and reviews; prepare and present findings.
• Operate and maintain fermenters at bench- and pilot-scale.
• Develop and refine analytical methods for samples from complex bioreactor environments.
• Perform gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses on samples from fermenter operations.
• Isolate DNA from collected samples for qPCR and metagenomic analyses.
• Analyze slurry and water samples using spectrophotometry and other standard laboratory equipment.
• Operate manual and automated instruments, including FT-IR, UV-VIS, and ICP.
• Manage laboratory activities, including hazard analysis, health and safety planning, and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
• Oversee sample collection, archiving, and analytical data management.
• Communicate effectively through oral presentations, written reports, and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience analyzing samples from experiments (gas, slurry, water).
• Experience with gas composition analysis and bioreactor environments.
• Proficiency in Excel and laboratory techniques, including GC, HPLC, ICP, chromatography, microscopy, and spectrophotometry.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety practices.
• Experience in method development and writing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.