Analytical Scientist at PRAIRIE AQUATECH in Volga, SD, USA
- Company: PRAIRIE AQUATECH
- Location: Volga, SD, USA
- Posted: Sep 21, 2026
- Type: Full-time
- Salary: 50,000-52,000 per year
- Experience: 4+ years
Overview
At Houdek, we are pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture by transforming soybeans into high-value ingredients that support animal health, environmental stewardship, and food system innovation. Based in Volga, South Dakota, we take pride in creating products that are rooted in science, power…
Job description
- At Houdek, we are pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture by transforming soybeans into high-value ingredients that support animal health, environmental stewardship, and food system innovation. Based in Volga, South Dakota, we take pride in creating products that are rooted in science, powered by nature, and designed to make a meaningful difference.
- We're growing fast and looking for people who want to be part of something bold and impactful. Our team works with purpose and pride, guided by the core values that shape our culture:
- Safety - We are committed to maintaining a safe, responsible, and healthy environment for all.
- Quality - From process to product, we hold ourselves to the highest standards.
- Respect - We foster a workplace where every voice matters and collaboration thrives.
- Transparency - We communicate clearly, honestly, and often with our teams and our partners.
- Innovation - We challenge convention, solve complex problems, and drive new possibilities every day.
- If you're ready to join a team working toward a more sustainable future, we invite you to apply today!
Responsibilities
- This full-time position has responsibility and accountability for analytical instrumentation to ensure that commercial and product development milestones are met. This position requires outstanding attention to detail, organizational and communication skills, and the ability to multi-task. This position will report to the Laboratory Manager and will be responsible for the following:
- Prepare standard and sample solutions as required by the test methods.
- Operate analytical instruments during testing (i.e., BSC, pipettes, balances, etc.)
- Validation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments.
- Perform peer review of other chemists' work.
- Perform analytical method development and validations as required.
- Provide analytical support to process validations.
- Participate in Regulatory, Internal, and Vendor audit programs as required.
- Provide technical guidance/troubleshooting where applicable.
- Make and record observations, perform calculations, and collect, and prepare data for evaluation by team every week.
- Conduct support functions with team members such as stocking and distributing supplies and equipment.
- Carry out all laboratory functions in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices, all Company Policies and Procedures as well as applicable regulatory standards.
- Additional responsibilities may include assisting with laboratory purchasing, maintaining inventories of chemicals and supplies, and waste management.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Analytical Chemistry or a related field of study
- Scientific, yet practical approach to problem-solving.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work on cross-functional teams and to prioritize and manage multiple demands.
- Experience in an accredited laboratory with Good Laboratory Practices
- Experience with Equipment Maintenance
Skills
Preferred
- Experience with Equipment Maintenance
About PRAIRIE AQUATECH
Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is a manufacturing company based in Volga South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high-quality feed ingredients. Using patent-pending technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading soybean meal to high-quality ingredients used in aquaculture and other animal feeds.