Research Associate

Job Description: Research Associate

Location: Reno, NV

Position Summary

The Research Associate will report to the Research and Development Supervisor and work closely with the Phigenics Research and Innovation Team (phiRIT) to support the development, execution, and organization of research projects and innovation initiatives. This role plays a key part in the commercial development of new products, scientific communication, and cross-functional collaboration across the organization.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Project & Research Responsibilities

• Lead the full commercial development process for an assigned project.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation in laboratory notebooks and official product validation notebooks.
• Assist with commercial development and research support across other phiRIT projects.
• Present findings during lab meetings, S&G meetings, and other internal forums.
• Provide training to Phigenics personnel on newly commercialized products.
• Participate in external scientific communication, including webinars and professional meetings.
• Support the R&D Team in generating, editing, revising, and publishing scientific publications. Opportunities for first-author publications may exist, but are not required.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of all phiRIT projects and provide troubleshooting and experimental design assistance as needed.
• Assist with processing commercial samples within the phiRIT laboratory when operationally required.
• Review and send client reports in collaboration with team members.
• Contribute insights, ideas, and feedback to support new commercial innovation opportunities.
• Engage in continuing education and professional development.
• Participate in scheduled travel for conferences or internal company activities.
• This role carries no supervisory responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a life science discipline.
• 1–3 years of commercial R&D experience or non-academic laboratory experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in presentations and group facilitation.
• Ability to ask clarifying questions, actively listen, and guide discussions toward actionable outcomes.
• Comfortable working in urgent or evolving situations with shifting priorities.
• Highly self-motivated with a proactive, “cando” attitude.
• Exceptional attention to detail and adherence to timelines.
• Flexible, accountable, and capable of working independently.
• Strong desire and ability to learn new concepts quickly.
• Commitment to high ethical standards and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, evolving environment while managing multiple priorities.‑paced, evolving environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with MS Office, JIRA Agile project management tools, and other relevant software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of commercial R&D experience (graduate-level research experience may substitute for some commercial R&D experience).
• Understanding of potable and utility building water systems and advanced water management practices beyond typical pathogen-focused approaches (e.g., beyond Legionella-only frameworks).
• Experience in technical communication, both written and verbal.
• Water-related experience in engineering, construction, microbiology, chemistry, or other relevant fields.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Phigenics LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alien status, age or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.