Chemical Process Technician

Aralez Bio•Berkeley, CA

25d•$30 - $40

About The Position

We envision a world where we continuously, sustainably, and affordably improve human life with synthetic biology. Our proprietary set of enzymes and our manufacturing approach enables the production of thousands of amino acids that were previously too difficult and expensive to make. These “noncanonical” amino acids that we make are already catalyzing the creation of revolutionary and innovative products that are good for people and the planet. Our technology outperforms traditional manufacturing approaches by 10–100x across the board. We already sell products to Big 10 Pharmaceutical companies, and our product family includes the key components of multi-billion dollar blockbuster drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. We are a diverse, passionate, interdisciplinary team that finds joy in building something new that leaves the world better than we found it. We strive to always learn and improve and have a deep desire to capitalize on our creativity and be exceptional at what we do. About the role We’re seeking an experienced Chemical Process Tech who’s excited to join us in our innovative work. You’ll report to the Director of Manufacturing, and will be handling essential day-to-day manufacturing functions as we scale production and expand our platform of non-canonical amino acids. Your work will be essential in providing our customers with the ingredients they need to develop breakthrough pharmaceuticals and improve human health in a more sustainable way. If you’re excited to join an early-stage startup doing truly interesting and impactful work, we want to hear from you! This is a full-time, non-exempt role. Shifts will mostly be Monday through Friday 9:00am-6:00pm (roughly), but at times there may be overtime, or shifts may begin between 12:00pm and 2:00pm and end between 9:00pm and 11:00pm.

Requirements

High school diploma/G.E.D. required, Associate's or technical degree preferred.
At least three years of hands-on experience in a piloting, manufacturing or production environment with chemical processing. This includes:
Proven abilities working with chemical reactors, filters, and pumps in a pilot and/or manufacturing facility (equipment setup, operation, optimization, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting/repairs).
Experience with chemical reactor sizes ranging from 100L to 1,000L and drum quantities of chemicals.
Comfortable with handling large scale processes involving chemicals and caustics.
Ability to safely and effectively handle and transfer solutions (up to drum size).
Working knowledge of quality requirements, best practices, and working under SOPs in a manufacturing environment.
Strong commitment to safety, working as a team, and operational excellence.
Ensuring compliance of machinery with industry standards.
Ability to apply principles, theories and concepts, and propose a course of action for operational logistics and issues.
Effective communication: Providing consistent, thorough documentation, coordinating/talking in-person with the team.
“We got this” attitude: Meeting production goals is often challenging. You are a self-starter who shows up ready to dig in every day with the team, and you’re flexible when goals pivot or something goes awry.
Thinking of creative solutions: Our work is a combo of newness and established chemical production processes. You’ll combine your knowledge and experience with creative problem-solving to help optimize the work and improve production processes.
Comfortable but careful: Great precision, attention, and care is required for safety and quality of work. You maintain high standards in the work with calm diligence.
This is a physical role where you’ll be on your feet for much of the work day. You must be able to exert up to 40 lbs of force occasionally, up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and 10 lbs force constantly to move objects. Additionally, you will move around in small spaces (kneeling, squatting, stooping), climb ladders, and reach upward/downward.
This role requires an understanding of and adherence to protocols and best practices for safety in this environment, which includes working with toxic chemicals. Required personal safety equipment includes chemically compatible gloves, steel toed shoes, lab coats, face shield, and respirator.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment, including chemical reactors (100L-1,000L), filters, pumps, and other equipment and parts.
Perform all existing routines and new processes following written procedures.
Maintain raw material & product inventories.
Perform container change-outs for products and raw materials including chemicals and solvents.
Collaborate with the manufacturing and lab ops teams to optimize processes and improve process efficiency and cycle times.
Communicate important production details (verbally and in writing).
Complete appropriate documentation (e.g. batch records, log books as required), following good documentation practices.
Perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities during production downtime.
Clean and maintain equipment after production runs.
Adhere to safety regulations and protocols.