POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Biological Materials and Processing Research Team is seeking a Biochemistry Laboratory Technician to help build biological methods for extracting critical minerals. This work will play a key role in developing cutting-edge biotechnologies that generate products of high commercial and national-security value. 

This role will report to the project’s technical lead and will independently execute established laboratory procedures with limited supervision, Work will involve executing standard molecular biology workflows, preparation of reagents, and performing general lab maintenance. Work will primarily occur Monday-Friday during regular business hours, but some weekend and evening work will be required. 

The successful candidate will be organized, an independent worker, and willing to learn new skills. The individual will join a group of collaborative scientists and should have strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Independently execute protein expression and purification workflows from microbial hosts using established protocols, applying technical judgment to identify and address routine and less-routine process issues. 

• Perform and document biochemical assays using established methodologies, evaluate results for expected performance, and troubleshoot deviations or unexpected results using established procedures and prior experience. 

• General laboratory support/housekeeping 

• Independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment, resolving routine and less-routine issues within established procedures and escalating complex or novel issues as appropriate. 

• Follow employee health and safety requirements 

• Document laboratory activities, experimental results, and observations and manage data storage 

• Independently execute a range of laboratory assignments, including less-routine or atypical work, using established technical processes and prior experience to determine appropriate approaches and troubleshoot issues. 

• Coordinate laboratory activities with scientists and other team members and clearly communicate technical information, results, issues, and dependencies to support project objectives. 

• Serve as an informal technical resource to colleagues with less experience, while escalating complex or novel issues to the technical lead as appropriate. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• B.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field OR 2–5 years of related laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

• Demonstrated proficiency in a range of molecular biology, biochemical, or related laboratory processes and procedures 

• Ability to independently execute established laboratory procedures with limited supervision and seek guidance for complex or unfamiliar assignments 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to learn and apply new laboratory systems, equipment, techniques, and procedures 

• Ability to troubleshoot less-routine laboratory issues using established procedures, methodologies, and prior experience 

• Strong time management skills 

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and unit conversions 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience producing DNA constructs. 

• Experience expressing and purifying recombinant proteins from microbial hosts. 

• Experience performing biochemical assays. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Most tasks will occur within a laboratory environment 

• Working with/around hazards: chemical (e.g., oxidizers, caustics, acids and bases), physical (high pressure/high temperature), and electrical (high voltage/wattage) 

• Lifting of 50LBS or less 

• No travel required 

• Ability to comfortably stand, sit, or kneel (with a pad) for reasonable periods of time