Laboratory Operations Technician

About the role

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.

Key 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
• Absorb and assist with simple setup tasks for experiments as needed
• Prepare buffers, media, and common reagents according to established protocols

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications:
• 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
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lift/move boxes (up to 50 pounds)
• Preferred Skills and Experience:
• 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

Pay Range

Pay Range: $28.00 - $40.00/per hour
This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
Leveling and base pay is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance

Benefits

• Health & Wellness:
• Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
• 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA 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
• Financial & Retirement:
• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
• Relocation support for new hires, if needed
• Workplace Experience & Perks:
• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
• Complimentary EV charging

ITAR Requirements

Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

E-Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.