Laboratory Technician
Posted
About the Role & Team
We are seeking an organized and trustworthy Laboratory Technician to support the build-out and day-to-day operations of our new Berkeley facility. The Laboratory Technician will ensure the facility operates safely and efficiently, and supports a rigorous scientific program.
This role is well suited to a candidate who takes pride in operational excellence, is comfortable working with significant autonomy, and finds satisfaction in building and running a high-performance technical operation.
This is an onsite, full-time role based in Emeryville, CA reporting to the Laboratory Operations Manager. Travel requirements are minimal.
What You Will Own
Facility Build-Out and Commissioning
- Support facility build out by managing contractors and equipment vendors, including procurement, installation, qualification, and commissioning of a broad instrumentation suite encompassing automated filter testers, respirator fit testing systems, environmental chambers, SMPS/CPC aerosol instrumentation, tensile testers, materials characterization equipment, prototyping tools, high-speed video systems, and associated infrastructure.
- Continuously support various utility requirements including compressed air, electrical service, and HVAC, and ensure the facility meets all applicable safety and regulatory standards.
- Support equipment qualification documentation, calibration schedules, and execute preventive maintenance programs.
Daily Laboratory Operations
- Maintain an uncompromising focus on health, safety, and environmental compliance as the foundation of all laboratory activity.
- Follow and assist in developing standard operating procedures for all major laboratory functions and maintain accurate records, inventory, and sample chain of custody documentation.
- Support ongoing use of the laboratory information management system.
Research Support
- Support execution of applied research programs spanning filter performance, N95 reusability, respirator fit testing, environmental aging, and aerosol transmission studies.
- Coordinate equipment scheduling across concurrent research workstreams and serve as the primary point of contact for external partners, vendors, and visiting collaborators.
Who You Are
Must Have
- Demonstrated experience managing the installation, qualification, and routine operation of complex analytical or testing instrumentation.
- Strong organizational skills and a proven track record of building rigorous operational systems including SOPs, calibration records, preventive maintenance programs, and LIMS or equivalent documentation platforms.
- Proven ability to operate reliably and professionally with significant autonomy under remote leadership.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a commitment to honest and timely reporting.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline such as mechanical engineering, chemistry, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field.
- Five or more years of hands-on laboratory management experience including direct supervision of technical staff.
Nice to Have
- Experience in respiratory protection, filtration science, aerosol science, or industrial hygiene.
- Familiarity with NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 or OSHA respiratory protection standards under 29 CFR 1910.134.
- Hands-on experience with aerosol generation and measurement, particulate and filtration testing, materials characterization instrumentation, or related technical equipment.
- Prior experience contributing to a greenfield or startup laboratory build-out.