Phospholutions, Inc. · 1 day ago
Research Associate
State College, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
$44K/yr - $50K/yr
1+ years expPhospholutions, Inc. is an award-winning agtech start-up focused on enhancing global phosphorus use. They are hiring a Research Associate to support their R&D team by managing lab experiments, quality control testing, and collaborating on various research projects.
AgricultureHorticultureSustainability
No H1B
Responsibilities
Prepare samples of granular products for quality control experiments including pH analysis, moisture, bulk and tap density, crush strength, filtering, size distribution by sieving, measuring, etc
Communicate with internal teams and outside partners across production, warehousing, and logistics to ensure samples are properly labeled, packaged, and shipped for quality control testing and to align research objectives with business needs
Prepare standards and chemical reagents (i.e. acids, bases, alcohols, etc.) for use in completing experiments, troubleshooting, testing, and data acquisition
Support experimental design, research planning, and data analysis
Collaborate with other R&D team members to develop and carry out tests, experiments and studies to include: Phosphorus adsorption and desorption studies Raw material characterization Soil and water testing Nutrient leaching experiments Soil nutrient incubation and nutrient release studies
Develop a company-specific scientific knowledge inventory of various materials and their impacts on phosphorus-soil behavior
Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis on raw materials using laboratory experimentation
Troubleshoot instrumentation and ensure proper repair as needed
Maintain a high level of scientific integrity and laboratory safety
Record and manage experimental procedures and data in proper database and notebook structures
Organize, maintain, and manage small-scale laboratory equipment, supplies, and chemical inventory
Prepare, setup, operate, tear down, and clean all equipment, materials, and supplies for lab experiments
Translate and communicate research findings and complex statistical information to stakeholders
Prepare verbal and written technical reports and presentations to explain experimental findings
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology or related physical science field from an accredited university or college, however, candidates with two years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Has a university-level understanding of scientific methods, chemistry, and laboratory techniques
“Day-1 Expert-level” proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)
One or more years of laboratory research experience outside an academic setting
Experience with basic analytical chemistry (qualitative and quantitative analysis) as well as spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, and microscopy
Valid driver's license and ability to travel between multiple locations as needed
Background checks (criminal/education/employment/reference/credit/DMV) will be performed; results must be satisfactory to the company
If hired, must adhere to all company policies and procedures and other prescribed best practices/industry standards
Demonstrated success prioritizing and managing work requests from multiple sources and in meeting deadlines; superior time management skills and keen attention to detail are essential
Ability to exercise ethical, prudent judgment and problem-solving in the absence of direct supervision
Ability to communicate, collaborate, and build strong working relationships with others
Ability to work independently, learn new skills quickly, and take initiative
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment and assume personal ownership of R&D activities and outcomes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including mastery of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax and tone
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Strong knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry
Strong math skills including the use of statistic, formulas, charts, and tables
Critical thinking and problem solving
Preferred
Demonstrated experience with lab design and setup
Basic understanding of agronomy, soil science and greenhouse lab practices
Experience with computer programming
Material Science experience
Company
Phospholutions, Inc.
We develop solutions to enhance global phosphorus use.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$32.5MKey Investors
Advantage CapitalContinental Grain Company
2025-07-18Convertible Note
2023-08-09Series Unknown· $10.15M
2022-07-07Convertible Note· $5.3M
Leadership Team
Hunter Swisher
CEO & Founder
Recent News
2026-01-16
Government Technology US
2025-10-09
Company data provided by crunchbase