Associate Investigator

Title: Associate Investigator

Duration: 12 Months

Location: Indianapolis IN 46077

Role Summary

This role involves execution of established workflows as well as evaluating new methods under scientific guidance. The position is hands‑on and lab‑focused, emphasizing high‑quality experimental execution, documentation, safety, and effective collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute well established and routine protein isolation and analysis methods to assess recombinant microorganisms
• Execute routine molecular biology and microbiology experiments to generate expression vectors for protein expression in support of various projects
• Under the guidance of a senior scientist, help develop new methods to support protein expression and establish reliable SOPs for routine execution
• Perform large-scale microbial cultivation and generate cell extracts for various applications
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely experimental documentation, including use of electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and associated data systems
• Apply aseptic techniques in biological material handling in daily laboratory activities
• Identify, communicate, and escalate experimental or workflow issues appropriately while contributing feedback to improve robustness
• Proactively communicate progress and effectively share data and progress with project stakeholders
• Maintain organized laboratory workspaces and contribute to efficient day‑to‑day lab operations
• Follow and reinforce client’s safety, quality, and compliance standards at all times
• Collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders representing a range of disciplines and working styles

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related life science discipline
• Minimum 2 years of scientific laboratory experience (academic, industry, or combination)
• Demonstrated experience with sterile laboratory techniques
• Ability to work independently on defined tasks and safely execute experiments without constant supervision
• Demonstrated capability to learn and apply new laboratory methods or technologies following training and guidance
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and task‑oriented execution
• Proven reliability, accountability, and strong documentation practices
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work productively with diverse scientists and stakeholders
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and high‑quality scientific standards in an industry R&D environment

Preferred / Plus Qualifications

• Prior industry R&D laboratory experience
• Broad hands‑on experience supporting protein expression and analysis
• Experience working with a variety of microbial species and analytical methods
• Exposure to or interest in laboratory automation or semi‑automated workflows
• Experience using electronic lab notebooks (ELN)
• Demonstrated experience supporting the implementation or adoption of new laboratory technologies or methods