Bacteriophage Research Scientist - Kennesaw, GA

Bacteriophage Research Scientist - Kennesaw, GA

NATURE & SCOPE
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Bacteriophage Research Scientist to join our innovative R&D team developing next-generation health and wellness products for both humans and animals. This individual will be responsible for independently designing, executing, and interpreting robust experiments with a focus on bacteriophage and E. coli fermentation. The role requires collaboration across cross-functional teams including Quality Control, Customer Service, and Operations to ensure seamless data integration and product development. The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative in troubleshooting and recommending data-driven next steps, while also ensuring regulatory alignment and data integrity. Success in this position demands a balance of technical expertise, analytical precision, and effective communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently execute well-controlled, reproducable experiments related to bacteriophage characterization, fermentation, and product development without assistance.
• Design and conduct small- to pilot-scale fermentation studies targeting E. coli, utilizing current expertise of growth kinetics and phage-host interactions.
• Prepare comprehensive data packages to support method development and facilitate collaboration across departments and with external partners.
• Collaborate closely with Quality Control, Regulatory, and Operations teams to translate experimental findings to actionable insight.
• Contribute scientific and technical knowledge to the preparation of regulatory submissions and internal documentation.
• Troubleshoot experimental roadblocks and recommend scientifically sound next steps based on critical thinking and literature review.
• Maintain high-quality laboratory practices and ensure compliance with internal SOPs and applicable cGMP guidelines.
• Participate actively in team meetings, project updates, cross-function planning discussions to support production development goals.
• Take initiative and leadership in challenging or ambiguous experimental situations, driving projects forward with professionalism and integrity.

Skills and Abilities

• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in core microbiology techniques including bacterial culturing, designing, and optimizing bacteriophage assays, designing high-throughput screening workflows, and operating biofermenters for small- to pilot-scale production.
• High-Throughput Design: Skilled in setting up high-throughput experimental pipelines for bacteriophage screening and characterization at small to pilot scale.
• Bacterial Fermentation & Freeze Drying: Direct experience designing and executing bacterial fermentation experiments, with knowledge of downstream freeze-drying techniques.
• Sequencing Experience: Experienced with Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore technologies, including DNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing runs, and downstream assembly and annotation.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret experimental data and extract meaningful conclusions to guide product development.
• Attention to Detail: Delivers accurate, precise, and reproducible data with a high standard of laboratory documentation.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrates initiative in troubleshooting and optimizing protocols to resolve technical and experimental challenges.
• Communication Skills: Effectively communicates scientific findings across cross-functional teams and supports regulatory documentation efforts.
• Innovation: Proactively identifies and develops novel approaches in bacteriophage application and microbial research to enhance product pipelines.
• Mentorship: Capable of guiding junior scientists and contributing to knowledge-sharing and training within the team.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic R&D environment with shifting priorities, demonstrating resilience and flexibility.
• Safety: Adheres strictly to laboratory safety protocols and contributes to a culture of safety awareness.
• Microsoft Programs: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentation of findings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience with a Masters degree, or 3 years with a Ph.D.
• Ability to execute reproducible, well-controlled experiments and clearly communicate scientific results across teams.
• Strong experience with conventional microbial laboratory techniques, including bacterial culturing and bacteriophage plaque assays.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, for data analysis and presentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a related discipline.
• Experience in freeze-drying techniques for stabilization and preservation of microbial products.
• Knowledge of cGMP standards and experience working within quality-controlled environments.
• Hands-on experience with sequencing technologies (Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore), including DNA extraction, library prep, sequencing, and assembly.
• Familiarity with analytical tools and techniques such as IR, HPLC, PCR, and real-time PCR.
• Experience handling and experimenting microaerophilic and anaerobic microbes.

Specific Skills

• Proficient in microbial fermentation processes, including use of biofermenters for bacteriophage production.
• Skilled in designing and executing high-throughput experimental assays for phage screening and optimization.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting data, identifying trends, and supporting data-driven decisions.
• High attention to detail with an emphasis on generating accurate, precise, and reproducible results.
• Excellent problem-solving ability and initiative in troubleshooting experimental or technical issues.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and documentation.
• Strong work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to lab safety and scientific integrity.

Excited about this role but dont think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:98314BR