Research Associate

VitaKey is an exciting start-up developing and commercializing proprietary technology for controlled, targeted, extended, and sustained delivery of macronutrients, micronutrients, probiotics, biologics, and small molecules, to be included in everyday foods and beverages to improve human health. We are seeking innovative and motivated scientists and engineers to be part of the company's next-phase of growth at our Durham, NC HQ. Learn more about our company on our website at www.VitaKey.com

Role Summary

We are seeking a Research Associate to join our team to support our expanding work on novel technologies to improve health through controlled nutrient delivery. Responsibilities will involve performing routine cell culture (mammalian and microbial), developing and running common laboratory assays (ELISA, qPCR, and others), data analysis and communication, and assisting other project teams with various tasks as needed. You will serve as a group contributor on project teams, with the opportunity to learn subject matter and skills across the organization. Projects will be highly interdisciplinary, at the intersection of engineering, biochemistry, materials science, food science and nutrition.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Maintain mammalian and microbial cell cultures, including thawing, passaging, plating, and freezing a variety of cell types

· Routinely perform established laboratory assays (ELISA, qPCR, immunofluorescence, luminescence)

· Develop or validate novel assays

· Regularly use ELN / LIMS to clearly and accurately document results of all experimental work

· Prepare regular reports on work conducted and communicate results at laboratory meetings

· Occasionally perform other duties to assist other teams as needed (product formulation, analytical testing, etc)

· Work with fellow scientists and engineers within the group and with external laboratories

Qualifications

· BS with 0-1 years’ experience in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or allied disciplines

· Candidates with 2+ uninterrupted years of experience within an academic research group as an undergraduate student are preferred

· Candidate must have strong experience with mammalian cell culture outside of coursework

· Candidates with experience in bacterial culture are preferred

· Candidate must have experience with at least two of: ELISA or similar plate-based assays; qPCR; flow cytometry; immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry; and microscopy)

· Experience generating, interpreting, and communicating experimental data

· Strict attention to documentation and recordkeeping

· Entrepreneurial and self-motivated work style

· Ability to adjust rapidly to changing scientific priorities and technologies

· Able to work on-site in Durham, NC