Laboratory Operations Technician

Varda Space Industries • El Segundo, CA

3h • Onsite

About The Position

Varda Space Industries is seeking a motivated Lab Operations Technician to support day-to-day laboratory operations. This role is critical to maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked lab environment, enabling scientists to work efficiently. The Lab Technician will report to the Lab Operations Manager. This is a 6 month temp position.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in pharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settings
• Experienced with troubleshooting and maintenance of complex analytical instruments
• Familiarity with basic lab techniques and safety practices, including handling and disposal of chemical waste
• Ability to follow SOPs and maintain accurate records
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable performing repetitive tasks with consistency and care
• Ability to lift/move boxes (up to 50 pounds)

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience in a pharmaceutical research laboratory settings
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instrumentation, including chromatography and mass spec, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, automation, microscopy, and crystallization (U/HPLC, CE, DLS, DSF, CD, FTIR, ELISA, MS, DSC, TGA, XRPD, Laser Diffraction)
• Previous experience working in GLP-compliant environments

Responsibilities

• Perform glassware cleaning, drying, and autoclaving according to established protocols
• Perform routine decontamination of workspaces used for high-potency compound handling, including: Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), Ventilated Balance Enclosures (VBEs), Fume Hoods
• Dispose of hazardous and contaminated waste in accordance with safety guidelines
• Maintain general lab cleanliness, including benches, shared equipment, and common areas
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively replenish lab supplies across lab areas
• Place routine orders for lab supplies and consumables, or coordinate lab operations as needed
• Receive, unpack, and properly store incoming materials and chemicals
• Perform basic troubleshooting of lab equipment and infrastructure and escalate issues when appropriate
• Perform routine upkeep tasks such as freezer defrosting and gas handling
• Assist with simple setup tasks for experiments as needed
• Prepare buffers, media, and common reagents according to established protocols

Benefits

• Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
• Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
• 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
• Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
• Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
• Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
• Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level