Basic Research Operations Associate

About the role

The Basic Research Operations Associate supports the R&D laboratory by preparing samples, conducting tests, and documenting results in line with approved trial plans. This role ensures traceability, safety, and data integrity while developing competence in assigned product families.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare samples, formulations, laboratory batches and test specimens according to approved trial plans, methods and safety instructions.
• Perform assigned laboratory tests, characterization activities and comparative evaluations for development, reformulation, product‑maintenance and raw‑material‑evaluation projects.
• Record experimental conditions, raw data, observations, calculations and results accurately, contemporaneously and completely in approved project records or laboratory systems.
• Maintain traceability of raw materials, samples, formulations, test specimens and retained project samples.
• Support laboratory and plant trials by preparing materials, collecting data, documenting observations and completing assigned technical follow‑up activities.
• Support preparation of technical reports, data summaries, samples and documentation required for project reviews, validation and R&D‑to‑QC transfer.
• Identify and promptly report unexpected experimental results, equipment issues, sample‑identity concerns, safety risks, deviations from the trial plan or data‑recording errors.
• Maintain assigned R&D equipment, materials, reagents, workspaces and records in accordance with applicable laboratory, safety and document‑control procedures.
• Develop competence in the product families, materials, methods and equipment assigned by the R&D Manager; specialization in organic or inorganic product families may be assigned.

Decision authority

• Executes only activities, methods and equipment operations for which trained and authorized.
• May make routine adjustments explicitly permitted by an approved trial plan or method; all other changes require direction from the Senior R&D Operator or R&D Manager.

Success measures

• Timely and accurate execution of assigned trials and tests.
• Completeness, traceability and right‑first‑time quality of experimental records.
• Compliance with safety, trial, sample‑management and equipment procedures.
• Timely escalation of anomalies and effective upkeep of assigned laboratory areas.