Job Title: Associate Investigator – Molecular Biology & Strain Engineering
Location: Indianapolis, IN 46077
Duration: 12 Months (Possibility of extension depending upon business requirements and performance)
Shift Time: 8a-5p (flex)
 
Job Summary:

• Any specific skills, requirements or experience you want in a candidate: BS Biology (Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or relevant field).
• New Grads okay with 2 years hands on/lab experience. MS Degree okay. PhD overqualified.
• Experience with sterile laboratory techniques
• Any additional Medical Surveillance testing required? No
• Any exposure to common allergens? Chemicals/Microorganisms
• Will non-local/remote candidates be considered? No
• Will they be driving? No

 
Work Environment:

• Fully on-site laboratory position based in Indianapolis
• Standard biological laboratory environment with required PPE and safety training
• Emphasis on hands on bench work, repeatable execution, and continuous technical learning

 
Role Summary:

• We are seeking a contract Associate Investigator to support molecular biology and microbial strain engineering activities in a collaborative R&D laboratory environment.
• This role involves execution of established workflows as well as onboarding and applying new laboratory technologies and methods under scientific guidance.
• The position is hands on and lab focused, emphasizing high quality experimental execution, documentation, safety, and effective collaboration.

 
Key Responsibilities:

• Execute molecular biology and microbiology experiments, including DNA cloning and microbial strain transformation, with a high degree of accuracy and consistency
• Learn, apply, and help operationalize new laboratory technologies, methods, or workflows, translating training into reliable bench level execution
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely experimental documentation, including use of electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and associated data systems
• Apply aseptic/sterile techniques and proper biological material handling in daily laboratory activities
• Perform liquid handling across a range of volumes, using manual pipetting and established tools
• Identify, communicate, and escalate experimental or workflow issues appropriately while contributing feedback to improve robustness
• Communicate experimental progress, data quality, and observations clearly with scientists and project stakeholders
• Maintain organized laboratory workspaces and contribute to efficient day to day lab operations
• Follow and reinforce organization safety, quality, and compliance standards at all times
• Collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders representing a range of disciplines and working styles

 
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline
• Minimum 2 years of scientific laboratory experience (academic, industry, or combination)
• Demonstrated experience with sterile laboratory techniques
• Ability to work independently on defined tasks and safely execute experiments without constant supervision after training
• Demonstrated capability to learn and apply new laboratory methods or technologies following training and guidance
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and task-oriented execution
• Proven reliability, accountability, and strong documentation practices
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work productively with diverse scientists and stakeholders
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and high-quality scientific standards in an industry R&D environment.

 
Preferred/Plus Qualifications:

• Prior industry R&D laboratory experience
• Broad hands-on experience supporting molecular biology workflows
• Experience working with a variety of microbial species
• Exposure to or interest in laboratory automation or semi-automated workflows
• Experience using electronic lab notebooks (ELN)
• Demonstrated experience supporting the implementation or adoption of new laboratory technologies or methods

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 24.00/hr.