Bacteriophage Research Scientist- Kennesaw GANATURE & SCOPEWe 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.
Before applying for an exempt non-exempt or hourly job opportunity you are expected toinitiate a discussion and share your intentions with your supervisor. * If youve been in your current position for more than 18 months supervisor approval is not required. * If youve been in your current position for less than 18 months verbal supervisor approval is required.
Hiring Manager- Georgiana Kourepenos
Recruiter- John Wagner
About ADM At ADM we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste and a commitment to sustainability we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. Were a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the worlds premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth depth insights facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food beverages health and wellness and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at .
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location job-related knowledge skills and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired employees will be in an at-will position and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time including for reasons related to individual performance Company or individual department/team performance and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between: