Research Associate

Description

• Performs laboratory experiments and testing activities under general supervision to support R&D Chemistry projects, including reagent preparation, wet-lab procedures, analytical characterization, and product development.
• Plans and executes experiments using a hypothesis-driven scientific approach, incorporating the full lifecycle of the scientific method-formulating questions, designing experiments, executing experimental protocols, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.
• Analyzes experimental data using appropriate statistical and graphical methods to identify trends, assess performance, and evaluate hypotheses.
• Investigates unexpected results by applying critical thinking and collaborating with team members to troubleshoot and refine experimental approaches.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, data, and observations in laboratory notebooks and electronic data systems to ensure reproducibility and traceability.
• Assists in small-scale production and preparation of experimental materials such as sensor formulations, reagents, and test articles used in product development studies.
• Prepares concise summaries of experimental results, figures, and progress reports to facilitate internal communication and contribute to data-driven decision making.
• Presents findings and recommendations during team meetings and technical discussions to support project advancement.
• Collaborates with scientists and engineers across functional teams to support experimental design, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to scientific problem-solving.
• Adapts to changing project needs by taking on additional responsibilities, supporting ad hoc lab tasks, and contributing flexibly to team goals.

• Supports day-to-day laboratory operations by ensuring cleanliness, organization, proper equipment maintenance, and compliance with laboratory safety protocols and quality system requirements.
• Coordinates inventory management by tracking laboratory supplies and initiating orders for reagents, disposables, and materials required for ongoing experiments.
• Performs safe handling and disposal of laboratory waste in compliance with environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines and company protocols.
• Demonstrates a professional and proactive approach to lab work, including clear communication, reliability, and a continuous improvement mindset.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• 6 months prior undergraduate research experience (e.g., academic independent study, capstone project, honors thesis project, lab assistant, or research assistant role

• Strong understanding of core chemistry principles, including general chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and organic chemistry.
• Strong scientific curiosity and problem-solving mindset with a desire to learn new techniques and grow professionally in a dynamic R&D environment.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in wet chemistry techniques, such as pipetting, titration, solution preparation, pH measurement, filtration, and sample handling.
• Excellent chemical laboratory safety and hygiene practices, including proper use of PPE, safe chemical handling, waste segregation, etc.
• Excellent attention to detail, with a commitment to high-quality documentation of procedures, observations, and results.
• High accountability with a strong capability to accurately and reliably execute experimental protocols.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to present experimental findings clearly and concisely.
• Comfortable working both independently and in cross-functional team settings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• At a minimum, must have strong skills plotting and visualizing data in Excel, with an understanding of basic statistics (standard deviations, means, medians, %CV, histograms, etc.).
• Experience with more advanced statistical analysis software and/or programming languages for data analysis is highly valued, but not required (e.g., JMP, MATLAB, Python).
• Exposure to quality systems, regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 13485, 21 CFR 820), and design control processes is a plus, though not required.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and adapt to evolving project needs and priorities.