Element has a current opening for a Scientist I-III to join our growing team in North Liberty, IA. Scientists at Levels I–III contribute to contracted studies and internal research projects within the organization. This role involves designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and supporting scientific innovation. Depending on level, individuals are expected to demonstrate increasing independence, technical expertise, and leadership in solving complex scientific problems.

• Design, plan, and execute experiments for both contracted studies and internal research projects while ensuring compliance with quality standards, including adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  Proactively identify gaps, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement in existing processes, methodologies, or SOPs, and propose practical, science-based solutions
• Analyze experimental data and collaborate with IT teams to support data processing, storage, and reporting needs.
• Manage and oversee assigned laboratory testing, research, and development activities (level-dependent responsibility).
• Develop, review, and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance study quality and operational efficiency.
• Apply critical thinking to evaluate novel methodologies, including non-standard antimicrobial tests and emerging technologies.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of client proposals, technical documents, and grant submissions.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with study protocols through data review and quality checks.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, including review of reports, manuscripts, and study documentation.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and summaries of research findings.
• Present research results to internal stakeholders and scientific teams.
• Represent the organization at conferences and professional events.
• Maintain current knowledge of scientific, technical, and industry developments relevant to microbiology and research practices.

• Scientist I: Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline (Microbiology preferred)
  3–6 years of research and development experience
  Laboratory experience in microbiology or related field preferred

• Scientist II: Bachelor’s degree with 5–8 years of relevant experience, or
  Master’s or Ph.D. with 3–6 years of experience
  Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects and analyze complex data
  Laboratory experience in microbiology or related field preferred

• Scientist III: Master’s degree with 7–10 years of experience, or
  Ph.D. with 5–8+ years of experience
  Proven track record of leading research projects and developing innovative solutions
  Strong experience in in microbiology or related field preferred laboratory environments

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Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) 

“If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job,  please email Recruitment@element.com”