R&D Scientist - Constructs

At Medgene Labs, we are advancing animal health through science, innovation, and dedication. Based in Brookings, South Dakota, our team is proud to develop and deliver next-generation vaccines that protect animal populations and support producers across the country. With a passion for discovery and a commitment to excellence, we are shaping the future of animal health one breakthrough at a time.

Our work is guided by five core values that define who we are and how we work:

• Safety - We prioritize a safe environment for our people, partners, and the animals we serve.
• Quality - We hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure the reliability and impact of our products.
• Respect - We value our people and their diverse contributions, treating every team member with dignity and fairness.
• Transparency - We build trust through open communication and shared accountability.
• Innovation - We constantly seek new and better ways to solve challenges and deliver value.

If you're looking to join a collaborative, mission-driven team that's making a real difference in animal health and beyond, we'd love to hear from you.

POSITION SUMMARY

Medgene Labs is seeking a Research Scientist to join our growing team and help fully develop our construct bank for viral and bacterial expressed proteins. The candidate will serve as technical support, providing molecular engineering experience. The primary focus will be to perform daily laboratory assays, maintenance, and optimization of procedures. Will also provide support for process development and improvement.

JOB DUTIES

The Research Scientist is responsible for support within the Construct Team. Must have a strong background in molecular and immunological assays, protein production and optimization, and bioinformatics. Coordination and cooperation with the Construct Team, Immunological Services, Production, and Quality Assurance departments are essential. The position requires independent judgment and interpretation under the direct supervisor. The position requires the ability to write, read, and understand standard operating procedures and be able to execute the procedures to ensure compliance with USDA CVB regulations. Good documentation practices are required while documenting the work that is being performed.

• Perform molecular cloning efforts by applying molecular biology techniques.
• Characterization of vaccine candidates by performing molecular biology techniques.
• Operate and maintain laboratory and experimental equipment.
• Work collaboratively with other team members to accomplish project goals and milestones.
• Track and document results with Official Documents and Laboratory Notebooks.
• Creating the conditions for increasing productivity by analyzing and improving existing processes.
• Monitoring Compliance with aseptic procedures and cleaning schedules as well as occupational health and safety regulations.
  • Ensuring a culture of safety for all employees at VST/Medgene.
• Develop and manage study protocols under the direction of the supervisor.
• Performs other work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• The methods and techniques of bacterial, viral, mammalian, and insect cell culture.
• Baculovirus and bacterial expression systems and protein production
• Molecular techniques including transfections, cloning, DNA/RNA extraction and PCR, restriction enzyme digestion
• Common biochemical and immunological techniques, including SDS-PAGE, UV/Vis spectroscopy, ELISA, and western blotting.
• Laboratory quality control procedures and appropriate statistical methods.
• Aseptic technique and good laboratory practices.

Ability to:

• Perform various cell culture growth methods, tests, and analyses.
• Follow specific procedures.
• Work safely with infectious materials and specimens.
• Operate scientific equipment and computers.
• Write detailed SOPs and protocols.
• Identify reference materials.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Perform various tests, adapt techniques as required, and perform complex computations.
• Prepare scientifically accurate and thorough reports.

Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee employment. As part of our hiring process, Medgene reserves the right to conduct background investigations, which may include verification of education, past employment, and professional references, as well as criminal history checks where permitted by law. Background checks will be conducted when deemed necessary and appropriate for the role being considered, and any such inquiries will be handled in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment consideration. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the conviction. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge and understand that falsification of information may result in removal from the hiring process or termination if already employed.

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000