Laboratory Operations Technician

Varda Space Industries•El Segundo, CA

2d•$28 - $40•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

Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with HSA (with employer match) and FSA options
Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match
$20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
Dog-friendly office space