Associate Research Scientist – Human Health

About Us

Microbial Discovery Group (MDG) is an R&D-driven product development and Bacillus fermentation company. We apply Real Science to a Trusted Process, yielding Proven Success for our partners. At MDG, we recognize the need for sustainable solutions to the world’s largest problems, and we work to solve them as part of our mission to Feed, Clean, Save the World. As a member of our team, your ideas and innovations are integral to who we are.

Come grow with us!

The Associate Research Scientist – Human Health supports the design, execution, and management of human health research initiatives within the R&D function. This role applies advanced expertise in immunology and host‑microbe interactions, with a focus on flow cytometry, to support product development, process improvement, and innovation. Research is conducted in internal laboratories and through collaborations with academic, clinical, and commercial partners.

The role integrates complex experimental data to generate actionable insights, inform R&D strategy, and contribute to the scientific roadmap for Human Health R&D.

• Design, lead, and execute immunological experiments, including advanced flow cytometry panels and complementary assays, to characterize host and microbial immune responses.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and cross‑functional teams to advance human health research and translate findings into product concepts.
• Support and actively ideate new projects, including the development of project proposals, health impact assessments, ROI analyses, and budgets, in partnership with the manager.
• Analyze complex data sets using appropriate statistical methods; synthesize results, identify trends, and provide data‑driven recommendations.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and manuscripts for internal and external use, including peer‑reviewed publications.
• Present research findings at internal meetings, scientific conferences, and external forums; contribute to intellectual property and patent development as applicable.
• Develop, validate, and implement novel immunological and microbial screening protocols to improve sensitivity, throughput, and relevance to human health outcomes.
• Mentor junior scientists and research technicians by providing training, oversight, and guidance on laboratory techniques, data analysis, and documentation standards.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables; proactively identify risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and ensure compliance with QA/QC standards, SOPs, data integrity, and regulatory expectations.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and industry trends; recommend opportunities to enhance the R&D pipeline.

• Evaluate and recommend new methodologies, instrumentation, and digital tools, including feasibility assessments and pilot implementation.
• Support development of technical content for marketing, outreach, customer education, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners, tailoring messages to technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Work is performed in office and laboratory settings, with frequent movement between bench work, meetings, and data analysis.
• Limited field sampling or external site visits may be required.
• Work involves handling biological materials and chemicals in compliance with biosafety procedures and PPE requirements.

• PhD or Master’s degree in Immunology, Medical Microbiology, or a closely related discipline (required).
• 2–5 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience in immunology‑based research.

• Hands‑on expertise in flow cytometry, including panel design, instrument setup, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Proficiency in immunological, microbiological, molecular, or biochemical techniques.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics or translational data analysis tools preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with R, Python, QIIME2, LIMS, or related platforms preferred.
• Stron…