Research Scientist

Company Description

Midwest Technology Partnership, LLC (MTP) is a trusted provider of top-tier IT staffing and placement solutions, with over 100 years of combined experience in the industry. Specializing in sourcing technology professionals with the right technical expertise, communication skills, and cultural fit, MTP helps organizations address complex technology initiatives across diverse industries. MTP ensures clients meet tight deadlines by identifying and placing top talent, whether for permanent hires, contract work, or interim needs, in both on-site and remote work settings nationally and internationally. MTP prides itself on delivering high-quality resources with a personalized and timely approach.

Role Description

MTP is seeking a Research Scientist for a full-time, on-site role based in Indianapolis, IN. The Research Scientist will be responsible for current strain improvement activities, executing process support and improvement projects for current and future manufacturing processes. Using their experience in microbiology, molecular genetics, analytics, and fermentation development, this role will be responsible for applying these tools in the development of improved microbial strains and fermentation processes.

Functions, Duties, Tasks:

• Improve industrial

Streptomyces

strains and develop a deeper understanding of fermentation of various

Streptomyces

species.

• Identify process improvement opportunities through data collection, mining, observation and technical report writing in collaboration with scientists and technicians.
• Develop small scale fermentation models to support large scale industrial natural product fermentation. Apply the small-scale bioreactor models to support screening of improved

Streptomyces

strains and process development.

• Support high throughput fermentation screening, including planning, designing, coordinating, screening of cultures to identify improved strains, data analysis and control charting at the end of each run to identify shifts in the process, perform and document root cause investigation of every Beta run.
• Use scientific and statistical analysis tools to improve process understanding and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Develop / execute projects to address process performance issues and deliver improvement opportunities.
• Aseptically work with different bacteria.
• Ensure all experiments are well designed and documented with clear objectives in electronic notebook and/or batch records.
• Write and present technical summaries in reports and at department technical meetings and reviews.
• Ensure work is aligned with all relevant development quality, regulatory, HSE, and GLP requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related major.
• 2\+ years of industrial experience or relevant laboratory experience, including analytical, molecular biology, genetics.
• Technical Proficiency \& Problem-Solving: Technically inquisitive with high learning agility, strong problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Demonstrated hands-on experience with microbes, molecular biology, aseptic techniques (including Streptomyces), basic statistics, and Microsoft Office. Familiar with Environmental and Safety compliance, lab PPE, and safe laboratory practices.
• Collaboration \& Communication: Effective oral and written communication, self-management skills, ability to multitask and prioritize activities. Able to work effectively both independently and as part of an integrated team, promoting safe behaviors among coworkers.

Additional Preferences:

• Ability to troubleshoot and operate automated liquid handling equipment.
• Experience with bioreactors for small scale fermentation modelling and high throughput screening.
• Experience in tech transfer, scale up, and validation of biopharmaceutical processes.
• Prior experience and knowledge of fermentation manufacturing and/or development.
• Previous statistical background e.g. experimental data analysis and interpretation.
• Statistical background e.g. experimental data analysis and interpretation, familiar with JMP.
• Scientific curiosity and creativity in adaptation/modification of existing techniques for novel uses.

Other Information:

• Onsite 5 days a week.
• May work with potentially hazardous and/or biologically active materials.