Bacteriophage Research Scientist - Kennesaw, GA
Archer Daniels Midland
Bacteriophage Research Scientist - Kennesaw, GAJob Purpose:
The Research Scientist is responsible for advancing research in bacteriophage biology and sequencing‑based characterization. The role includes designing and executing wet‑lab experiments, performing sequencing workflows (MinION and Illumina), assembling and annotating genomes, and generating high‑quality bioinformatic analyses that support R&D, Operations, and Quality. The Scientist ensures accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with safety and quality standards while preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts. The position collaborates with cross‑functional teams to translate scientific findings into practical applications and improvements.
Main Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety standards, updating SOPs and laboratory protocols to maintain a safe and compliant working environment.
- Manage daily laboratory operations, including stock organization, receiving materials, inventory oversight, and safe disposal of biological and chemical waste in accordance with regulations.
- Design, execute, and analyze experiments involving bacteriophage propagation, host range assays, lytic activity testing, and related microbiological methods.
- Perform sequencing workflows, including sample preparation for MinION (Oxford Nanopore) sequencing and coordinating Illumina sequencing runs with external providers.
- Assemble and annotate genomes, generating high‑quality viral and bacterial genomic data using validated bioinformatic tools and workflows.
- Conduct bioinformatics analyses, including quality control, taxonomic and functional characterization, comparative genomics, and AMR/virulence profiling to support R&D, Operations, and Quality decision‑making.
- Develop, validate, and implement new wet‑lab and computational protocols to enhance laboratory capability and improve scientific output.
- Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, ensuring accurate, precise, and reliable performance across microbiology and sequencing workflows.
- Document all experimental procedures and results, preparing clear scientific reports, data summaries, manuscripts, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement, proposing new methods, technologies, or analyses that strengthen research programs and product development.
- Train and mentor interns and junior scientists, providing guidance in bacteriophage techniques, sequencing workflows, and bioinformatic analysis.
- Technical Proficiency: Hands‑on expertise in bacteriophage methodologies and sequencing workflows (MinION & Illumina), including DNA extraction and library preparation.
- Bioinformatics Competency: Strong skills in genome assembly, annotation, QC pipelines, and scripting in Python and/or R; proficiency with Linux/command‑line tools.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex datasets, identify key biological insights, and communicate findings effectively.
- Attention to Detail: High degree of accuracy in experimental execution, data processing, and documentation to ensure reproducibility and reliability.
- Problem Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills across both wet‑lab and computational workflows.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for scientific documentation, reporting, and cross‑functional collaboration.
- Innovation: Creative mindset with the ability to generate new approaches, methods, and improvements that advance scientific programs.
- Mentorship: Ability to train and guide junior personnel in laboratory and analytical techniques.
- Adaptability: Capacity to adjust to evolving technologies, shifting priorities, and new research needs in a dynamic environment.
- Digital Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams) and scientific software tools.
- PhD required in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated hands‑on experience with MinION (Oxford Nanopore) and Illumina sequencing workflows, including DNA extraction, library preparation, and run execution.
- Proven expertise in genome assembly and annotation, including the use of bioinformatic tools and the development of Python/R‑based pipelines for sequence QC, comparative genomics, and functional characterization.
- Prior laboratory experience in bacteriophage research, including propagation, host range assays, and related microbiological techniques is preferred.
- Industry or applied research experience supporting R&D, Operations, or Quality functions is strongly preferred.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:110735BR