Associate Scientist

Overview

Hennessy Research Associates - a Kemin company is looking for an Associate Scientist with a strong focus on Virology.

Step into the fast‑moving world of bovine virology, where every day brings a new scientific adventure. In this role, you’ll take the reins on a dynamic portfolio of five viruses—cultivating them, inactivating them, running titers and serum neutralization assays, and crafting the critical materials that power our cattle studies. You’ll start with hands‑on mentorship from our seasoned virologist, then quickly grow into the go‑to expert steering the viral side of the project.

In this role there is room to expand into insect cell culture and baculovirus expression systems, adding another layer of cutting‑edge biotech to your toolkit. It’s a role built for someone who loves rolling up their sleeves, pushing scientific boundaries, and making a real impact in animal health innovation.

We are a privately held, family‑owned-and‑operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come. We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operate in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

• Competitive financial package: salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, 401(k) match program, generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Career development and advancement: opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued learning opportunities: in‑house learning platforms, thousands of training resources both live and online, tuition reimbursement for external post‑secondary pursuits.
• Service opportunities: paid time off for volunteering in your community.

• Isolation and propagation of bovine viral isolates, growth and maintenance of cell lines, optimization and scale‑up of vaccine isolates, and support to quality control and production groups for methods.
• Independently conduct innovative scientific experiments and translate research into practical applications.
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries that are incorporated into strategy.
• Independently develop and review SOPs, research protocols and methods; design safety procedures.
• Independently perform advanced data analysis and review others’ data to provide input and insight.
• Collect, interpret and document research data.
• Generate scientific publications for internal and external publication, with guidance and review.
• Prepare and present data analytics and research in multiple formats both internally and externally.
• Review internal publications across Kemin.
• Identify and participate in external research collaborations.
• Contribute to strategic planning process and customer meetings.
• Provide instruction and training to interns and junior staff.
• Other duties/projects as assigned.

• Education
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific field with 7+ years of relevant experience.
  • Master’s Degree or PhD in a scientific field with 3+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Skilled at experimental design, sterile technique, data evaluation, project management, and problem solving; must keep detailed records and prepare written documents including research reports and method protocols.
• Experience in cell culture and sterile technique and experience with isolation and propagation of diverse viral strains.
• Expertise in viral methods including viral identification, titration, and characterization. Ability to perform serum neutralizations, hem agglutination assays, virus titration, plaque assays,…