COMPANY DESCRIPTIONPrairie AquaTech, LLC (dba. Houdek) is a technology company based in Brookings, South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high quality feed ingredients and the solutions they enable. Using patented technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading plant-based commodities, such as soybean meal and distillers' grain, to sustainable, high-quality ingredients and their applications for use in aquaculture and other specialty animal feeds.The Research Associate will assist with a variety of experiments and tests under the supervision of the Vice President of Technology and Project Leader(s). Specific areas of work will include typical daily laboratory tasks in R&D and Manufacturing, analytical instrumentation routine care, experimental setup, execution, and data recording. The R&D work will focus on carrying out experimental designs and assisting in data collection and analysis related to chemical and biological tasks. Responsibilities
- Alignment with company culture, mission, and vision.
- Chromatography: Sample preparation, loading, and running.
- Protein Chemistry: Prepare samples and run them internally on LECO, SDS-PAGE, etc.
- Feedstock Composition Chemistry (fat, fiber, ash, phytic acid, etc.)
- Fiber: Familiarity with crude fiber, NDF, and ADF and methods to differentiate.
- QT-PCR extraction and analysis.
- Assays & Enzymes: Ability to perform assays for quantifying protein and sugar metabolism.
- Operating and maintaining lab equipment, as well as analytical instruments
- Setting up and executing experiments (both chemical and microbiological in nature) in alignment with experimental protocols, sample tables, and standard operating procedures.
- Producing and effectively communicating reliable and precise data to support R&D and manufacturing operations.
- Recording laboratory data in accordance with the company's policy.
- Make and record observations, perform calculations, and collect and prepare data for evaluation by the team on a weekly basis.
- Conduct support functions with team members such as stocking and distributing supplies and equipment.
- Carry out all laboratory functions in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices, all Company Policies and Procedures as well as applicable regulatory standards.
- Additional responsibilities will include assisting with laboratory purchasing, developing and maintaining inventories of chemicals and supplies, and waste management.
- Support in updating standard operating procedures, execution protocols, sample tables, etc.
- Executing and documenting tasks related to the quality log.
- Maintain a clean working environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Pursuing a bachelor's Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field of study.
- Experience performing laboratory testing, sample collection, and analyses.
- Scientific, yet practical approach to problem-solving.
- Strong understanding of scientific methodologies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to work on cross-functional teams and to prioritize and manage multiple demands
Preferred Qualifications:
- Sterile fermentation experience.
- Knowledge of amino acid chemistry, protein dispersibility index, and molecular weight distribution. Previous experience with SDS-PAGE.
- 2 years of industry experience operating and maintaining lab equipment and analytical equipment
- Familiarity with carbohydrates and proteases.
- Mass Balance: Strong understanding of mass balance.
Job Location: Brookings, SD