Lab Technician

About The Company Sapho Bio is the developer of a rapid microbiology release platform for precision medicine. We are a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers committed to transforming pharmaceutical release testing through innovation, speed, and accuracy. We are a team built on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement, scaling rapidly following product validation and commercial traction. Our culture emphasizes agency, innovation, intellectual curiosity, and continual learning. About The Role We are seeking a meticulous and dependable Lab Technician to support pharmaceutical batch release testing, cleanroom maintenance, and USP-compliant assays. You will work directly with our founding scientists and laboratory team in a BSL-2 environment, performing sterility testing via qPCR, endotoxin assays, and other critical quality control procedures.The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working independently in a cleanroom setting, and passionate about maintaining the highest standards of laboratory compliance. Qualifications Required Minimum1 year of experiencesupporting laboratory operations or quality control testingBS in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, or a related STEM field (or equivalent relevant lab experience)Exceptional attention to detailwith strong organizational and follow-through skillsExcellent written communication skills: a strong reader and writer (primary communication is written)Proficiency in pipetting and standard wet lab techniquesStrong reading comprehension for SOPs, scientific literature, and USP chaptersStrong ability to leveragetechnology and toolsto improve efficiency and workflowsDemonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities, including multiple lots with competing deadlinesAmbitious, proactive, and solutions-orientedwith a mindset toward continuous improvementMustreside in San Carlos (surrounding areas)— within a 30-minute commuteAvailable 20–30 hours per week on a consistent schedule Preferred Experience in ISO-classified cleanroom environmentsFamiliarity with qPCR assays, nucleic acid extraction, and aseptic technique/gowning proceduresKnowledge of USP chapters 71, 797, 85, and 1223Experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory Core Responsibilities Batch Release Testing: Check pharmaceutical lots and verify chain of custody documentation Sterility Testing: Perform sterility testing via qPCR in an ISO 5 biosafety cabinet within an ISO 7 cleanroom Assay Support: Support endotoxin (LAL), potency, and Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing per USP guidelines Cleanroom Compliance: Maintain cleanroom and BSL-2 laboratory compliance, including environmental monitoring Documentation: Document methods and results per cGMP and GLP standards with meticulous accuracy Scientific Literature: Read and summarize scientific papers and USP chapters relevant to laboratory operations Travel & Logistics Must be able to commute to the San Carlos, CA office (1068 Washington Street, San Carlos, CA 94070) on a consistent weekly schedule Compensation & Benefits Competitive Salary: $75,000-$79,000 (commensurate with experience and market benchmarks) Door Dash Credit:$25 credit for lunch and dinner while working in the office Ideal Candidate Profile You are someone who:Takesfull ownership of outcomes, not just tasksIs highly proactive and treats every sample as if patient safety depends on itThrives in structured, compliance-driven environments with zero tolerance for shortcutsHas meticulous attention to detail and catches errors others might missCan be trusted to work independently and uphold the highest standards Application Requirements Your cover letter (one page) should include clear examples of: A time you demonstrated exceptional work ethic A time you identified a critical error through attention to detail A time you followed a complex protocol or SOP without cutting corners Life at Sapho Bio High-Impact Work: Contribute to transforming pharmaceutical testing and patient safety Competitive Compensation: Top-tier hourly rate for part-time roles Fast-Paced Environment: Join a team that moves quickly and executes with purpose World-Class Team: Work alongside experienced scientists and operators Prime Location: Sunny, collaborative workspace in San Carlos Sapho Bio is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment is at-will, in accordance with California law.