At Microvi, we tackle some of the world’s biggest problems—water scarcity and pollution, wastewater treatment and reuse, the production of renewable chemicals and fuels— using cutting-edge technologies and approaches. Microvi’s pipeline of solutions, created using our proprietary MicroNiche EngineeringTM platform, provide high performance and low-cost solutions for meeting the needs of our rapidly changing world.

We are seeking a Laboratory Associate to support the development of innovative water and wastewater treatment technologies, with an emphasis on water quality testing and analysis. You will join a fast-paced, dedicated R&D team located in Hayward, California. Successful candidates will have previous experience in a laboratory setting, preferably related to water/wastewater treatment, chemistry, microbiology, fermentation, or chemical / environmental engineering. You will thrive if you are able to quickly learn new concepts and be excited to develop breakthrough technologies in a rapid-growth startup environment. There is a significant potential for further career advancement at Microvi in advanced laboratory R&D, applied engineering, or process operations.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Preparation of reagents and materials including media, buffers, and stock solutions
• Preparation of glassware and equipment to support ongoing experimental work or prototype development
• Assist in the preparation and operation of micro-scale and bench-scale bioreactors, including process setup, regular sampling, sample analysis, and results reporting
• Assist in the routine operation of analytical chemistry equipment such as gas chromatography, ion chromatography, plate readers, and other analytical instruments
• Assist with basic microbiology procedures, including culture maintenance, sampling, and analysis
• Assist with regular sampling, analysis, and reporting of on-going field projects under direction of project leads
• Assist in general laboratory management including chemical inventory, ordering, and organization
• Maintain safe practices and a secure work environment
• Assist in results reporting via data analysis through written reports and presentations

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with technical training in laboratory-based research or operations, such as chemical or environmental engineering labs, chemistry labs, or microbiology labs. In addition, we are looking for candidates with experience in the following areas:

• B.S. degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, or related fields with:
  • Direct, hands-on experience with basic laboratory techniques and analytical equipment
  • Preferred: Direct, hands-on experience with water quality analysis
  • Preferred: Direct, hands-on experience with microbial fermentation processes, aseptic technique, microbiology techniques
• Knowledge of basic inorganic chemistry calculations
• Experience in following, drafting, and revising detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols

Attributes

• Ability to learn on the job and ask effective questions
• Ability to manage multiple work-flows and experiments simultaneously
• Ability to effectively work in cross-disciplinary teams
• Ability to give and receive feedback appropriately and implement feedback effectively
• Must be a self-starter, motivated, scientifically curious, and collaborative
• Availability to occasionally work over evenings and weekends if required by ongoing projects

Benefits

• Health insurance premium subsidy
• Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Pregnancy leave

Location – Hayward, CA – MUST RELOCATE, IF NEEDED, TO THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

Please email your resume or CV to careers@microvi.com Our team looks forward to reviewing your application!

About Microvi

Microvi is a green technology company based in the San Francisco Bay Area that delivers next-generation biotechnologies for the water, wastewater and renewable chemical industries. Anchored by a market-driven R&D philosophy, Microvi turns early-stage interdisciplinary research into smarter, smaller, faster and cleaner commercial products. Microvi offers commercial technologies around the world to reduce waste, increase productivity and provide disruptive economics across the value chain. Learn more at www.microvi.com.