Research Associate/Sr Research Associate

Interested in a career that matters?

Are you passionate about science, problem-solving, and helping bring innovative solutions to the Oils and Fats industry? Join the Oils and Fats Application Research team in Franklinton, North Carolina, where your laboratory expertise will directly support customer projects and global new product development initiatives.

As a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate , you'll play a critical role in a growing business area by delivering high-quality analytical insights and supporting research activities that help drive innovation and customer success. Working closely with scientists and stakeholders across regions and functions, you'll have opportunities to expand your technical capabilities while contributing to a collaborative and purpose-driven team.

The Role & Your Impact

In this hands-on laboratory role, you will support applied research and analytical testing activities across the Oils and Fats portfolio. You will be responsible for generating reliable data, communicating results to stakeholders, and contributing to projects that support both customers and innovation pipelines.

Key responsibilities include:

• Analyze samples and support testing activities for projects across regions and functions within the Oils and Fats industry.

• Design and execute laboratory experiments and analytical assays.

• Analyze and interpret data, delivering clear, concise, and actionable results to stakeholders.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.

• Take ownership of assigned projects and tasks while incorporating feedback and collaborating across teams.

• Balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

• Continuously develop new skills, including digitalization and AI-enabled tools, and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.

What You'll Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Engineering, or a related scientific field.

• Minimum of two years of laboratory experience.

• Hands-on experience with analytical assays and laboratory testing techniques.

• Experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

Essential Competencies

• Scientific curiosity and problem-solving ability.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Reliability and accountability.

• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Positive attitude and collaborative mindset.

• Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Experience within the oils, fats, food, biotechnology, or related industries.

• Exposure to data analysis tools, digital laboratory systems, or AI-enabled technologies.

• Experience supporting product development or customer-facing technical projects.

• Interest in continuous improvement and laboratory process optimization.

What We Offer

At Novonesis, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific work while developing your skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We offer:

• The opportunity to work on customer projects and global innovation initiatives.

• Exposure to diverse stakeholders across regions and functions.

• A collaborative team culture that values learning, ownership, and continuous improvement.

• Opportunities to expand your technical expertise and develop new capabilities, including digital and AI-related skills.

• The chance to make a direct impact in a business area that is supporting significant strategic growth.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

• Full-time position with regular working hours (40 hours per week).

• No shift work required.

• Primarily on-site role based in Franklinton, North Carolina.

• Flexible working approach that supports work-life balance.

• Combination of laboratory-based and desktop-based work.

• Dynamic environment requiring collaboration, adaptability, and effective prioritization of multiple activities.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected pay range: $55,000-$85,000

Benefits you will enjoy:

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution

• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation, 12 holidays, and 2 weeks of Wellness Time

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance

• Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) option

• Employee Assistance Program

• Parental leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• All benefits begin on your first day

Relevant Information

Application Deadline: September 22, 2026

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore other openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career