R&D Scientist

LuminUltra is recruiting a highly motivated Research and Development Scientist with expertise in industrial microbiology and a strong background in developing and validating methods such as qPCR and ATP. This role is located at our state-of-the-art industrial microbiology R&D laboratory in Baltimore, Maryland.

This is an exciting and dynamic opportunity within an innovative and growing organization. Our R&D Scientists play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of microbial communities in various industrial settings, including energy production and fuel storage, wastewater treatment, and industrial process water. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of novel solutions aimed at improving process efficiency, environmental sustainability, and product quality.

The successful candidate will have relevant demonstrable knowledge and experience of molecular monitoring tools. In this role, the R&D Scientist will have key responsibilities, such as:

• Contribute to the development of a best-in-class platform that provides an understanding of the roles of microorganisms in specific environments and provides customers with insights and actions so that they can solve problems and realize value.
• Support research and development projects pertaining to development of new test protocols (PCR, ATP, NGS, etc), reagents, equipment, and primer targets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to conduct broader research and development initiatives resulting in thought leadership such as papers, conference presentations, whitepapers, etc.
• Provide technical support to internal staff and customers on interpretation of microbial test results.
• Stay abreast of advancements in industrial microbiology, molecular biology, and qPCR technology to inform research directions and methodologies.
• Maintain accurate documentation of experiments and communicate status and findings to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Engineering or a related field with a focus on industrial microbiology, enzyme kinetics, metagenomics, or bacterial, archaeal and/or fungal culture.
• 1-3 years of experience in a research and development role within the industrial microbiology space.
• Knowledge of microbial control solutions in an applicable industry (Energy, Water, Product Quality, etc).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of anerobic cell culture.
• Experience in data analytics using languages like Python, R, or Bash.
• Experience with bead based or liquid handling robotic automation.
• Knowledge of DNA sequencing techniques.

Why Join LuminUltra?

LuminUltra has a culture that values communication, collaboration, development, work-life balance, flexibility, and employee recognition. We provide an extensive list of resources and benefits that support our culture, foster work-life balance, and promote personal and professional development.

We offer benefits that allow our team to thrive at work and outside the office. All team members are rewarded with generous paid time off, such as paid flex days, volunteer days, and a competitive vacation time policy. LuminUltra also has a group 401k plan with 3% matching contributions, firm sponsored social events, bonus program eligibility, health and dental benefits, mental health resources, an Employee Assistance Program, and other perks.

LuminUltra provides various opportunities for personal and professional development. We are a small organization which allows for continual experiential learning opportunities for those who are up to the challenge!