Senior Research Scientist

Neogen Corporation

. Lead scientific design and hands-on laboratory development of rapid nucleic acid-based methods for detecting and differentiating foodborne pathogens.

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeLansing • Michigan • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting nucleic acid-based assays, with a strong foundation in molecular biology and bioinformatics. Capable of leading complex technical projects and collaborating across teams to develop practical molecular detection solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Nucleic Acid-Based Assay DevelopmentBioinformatics ToolsLaboratory Experience with Foodborne PathogensStatistical Methods in Assay PerformanceTechnical Leadership and Communication

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Assay DesignTroubleshootingPrimer/Probe DesignMultiplex Assay DevelopmentAnalytical Performance StudiesSensitivity and Specificity AnalysisExperimental DesignMolecular TestingData InterpretationGenomic Data Analysis

Soft Skills

Scientific CommunicationMentoringCollaborationDecision MakingTechnical Report Writing

Tools & Technologies

NCBI GenBankRefSeqSRAGenomeTrakrEnteroBase

Industry Keywords

Foodborne PathogensMolecular BiologyMicrobiologyGenomicsBioinformaticsAOACISOMicroValUSDA-FSISFDA

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead scientific design and hands-on laboratory development of rapid nucleic acid-based methods for detecting and differentiating foodborne pathogens.
Plan and execute laboratory studies, analyze results, troubleshoot assay performance, and guide subsequent development.
Design, optimize, and troubleshoot assays using relevant amplification technologies; evaluate controls, specificity, sensitivity, robustness, and contamination risks.
Perform pathogen laboratory studies, including culture preparation, enrichment, inoculation, molecular testing, and interpretation of results.
Apply statistical methods to study design, sampling plans, acceptance criteria, and assay-performance analysis.
Use bioinformatics tools, genomic data, and sequence-analysis approaches for target selection, assay design, and performance interpretation.
Lead and support verification and validation studies, protocols, evidence packages, and applicable AOAC, ISO, MicroVal, USDA-FSIS, or FDA pathways.
Collaborate with Product Development, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Commercial teams through feasibility, development, transfer, launch, and continuous improvement.
Provide technical leadership, communicate scientific evidence and risk, review technical work, mentor colleagues, and contribute to scientific collaborations.
Travel up to 5% for partner studies, technical meetings, or scientific events.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline with at least 8 years of relevant experience; Master’s degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience; or Ph.D. with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting nucleic acid-based assays, including primer/probe design, assay controls, multiplex assay development, and interpretation of amplification data.
Strong experience using bioinformatics, comparative genomics, and sequence-analysis tools.
Substantial hands-on laboratory experience developing and troubleshooting molecular assays using foodborne pathogens or closely related microbial systems.
Experience planning, executing, and interpreting analytical performance studies, including sensitivity, specificity, robustness, repeatability, reproducibility, and limit-of-detection studies.
Experience using public and commercial genomic resources, including NCBI GenBank, RefSeq, SRA, GenomeTrakr, and EnteroBase.
Working knowledge of applied statistics and experimental design used in assay development and performance evaluation.
Ability to lead complex technical projects, make evidence-based decisions, and translate scientific findings into practical molecular detection solutions.
Strong written and verbal scientific communication skills, including technical reports, protocols, presentations, publications, and cross-functional decision support.
Employment authorization to work in the United States.
Employment contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits starting on Day One – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begin on your first day of employment.
401(k) with company match
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Career Growth Opportunities, including tools, training, and support
Meaningful work with impact on customers, communities, and the world
Collaborative culture valuing innovation, respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement