Lab Technician, Polymer Chemistry

Captura • Pasadena, CA

11h • $75,000 - $95,000

About The Position

Captura is seeking an experienced and hands-on Lab Technician to join our growing startup at a pivotal early stage in our ion exchange polymer and membrane development. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the development and scale-up of next-generation ion exchange membranes through hands-on laboratory work. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of practical laboratory experience in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, materials development, or a related field, with strong laboratory skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safe and organized laboratory practices. The Lab Technician will play an important role in executing day-to-day experimental work, supporting polymer synthesis, operating and maintaining analytical instruments, and ensuring that the laboratory remains safe, clean, organized, and efficient.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field, or equivalent relevant laboratory training and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in chemical, polymer, materials, or similar laboratory environment.
• Experience with organic synthesis, polymerization, or related chemical laboratory work.
• Experienced and comfortable with the safe handling of laboratory chemicals and organic solvents, including THF, DMF, DMSO, DCM, chloroform, methanol, and similar solvents.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to consistently follow written experimental procedures and SOPs.
• Good laboratory documentation, organization, and housekeeping practices.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, or move laboratory supplies and solvent/chemical containers, typically up to 50 lb, with appropriate handling equipment and safety procedures when required.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with R&D and closely support.
• Willingness to put in additional time during peak periods, such as key deadlines or launches.

Responsibilities

• Perform organic synthesis and polymerization experiments following established procedures and experimental instructions provided by research chemists - up to 5-liter size reactors and 5-gallon size processing containers.
• Carry out routine laboratory operations under supervision of research chemists - reagent preparation, weighing and transferring chemicals, solution preparation, reaction setup, workup, precipitation, filtration, washing, and solvent removal.
• Monitor reaction parameters such as temperature, viscosity, and conversion to ensure optimal conditions for polymerizations.
• Maintain accurate and timely laboratory notebooks, sample records, and analytical data.
• Assist with operation and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and characterization equipment - NMR, GPC, viscometer, etc.
• Organize laboratory chemicals, solvents, consumables, glassware, and other supplies.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory hygiene, cleanliness, and organization, including proper cleaning and organization of glassware, equipment, benches, fume hoods, and shared laboratory areas.
• Follow established SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and EHS procedures for safe handling of chemicals, solvents, equipment, and laboratory waste

Benefits

• Health coverage: Medical, dental and vision fully covered for employees, with partial coverage for dependents
• Equity: Stock option grant, with amount determined based on role and experience
• Retirement: 401(k) with match
• Time off: 3 weeks PTO plus company holidays and a paid winter break between Christmas and New Year's
• Growth: Ground-floor opportunity to build and scale the manufacturing and supply chain function as Captura grows

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level