Laboratory Technician

About ProEquip

ProEquip is a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that civilization can withstand and recover from severe biological crises, including AI-enabled pandemics. ProEquip models severe biological crisis scenarios and then delivers the capabilities needed to withstand them, including crisis preparedness and response infrastructure, and highly effective protective equipment, centered on respiratory protection. ProEquip defends all the systems civilization depends on, serving every level of society, including states, industries, organizations, and individuals. ProEquip is rapidly building the organization required to deliver this strategy. It has assembled a highly experienced team, is supported by leading experts and a strong ecosystem of partners, has secured substantial funding, and is finalizing the build-out of a cutting-edge R&D facility. If you want to grow quickly and help solve one of humanity's greatest problems, you'll feel at home here.

About the Role & Team

We are seeking an organized and trustworthy Laboratory Technician to support the build-out and day-to-day operations of our new Berkeley facility. The Laboratory Technician will ensure the facility operates safely and efficiently, and supports a rigorous scientific program. This role is well suited to a candidate who takes pride in operational excellence, is comfortable working with significant autonomy, and finds satisfaction in building and running a high-performance technical operation. This is an Onsite, Full-Time role based in Berkeley, CA reporting to the R&D Operations Leader. Travel requirements are minimal.

What You Will Do

No two days look exactly alike, but here's the core of what you'll own:

• Facility Build-Out and Commissioning: Support facility build out by managing contractors and equipment vendors, including procurement, installation, qualification, and commissioning of a broad instrumentation suite encompassing automated filter testers, respirator fit testing systems, environmental chambers, SMPS/CPC aerosol instrumentation, tensile testers, materials characterization equipment, prototyping tools, high-speed video systems, and associated infrastructure. Continuously support various utility requirements including compressed air, electrical service, and HVAC, and ensure the facility meets all applicable safety and regulatory standards. Support equipment qualification documentation, calibration schedules, and execute preventive maintenance programs.
• Daily Laboratory Operations: Maintain an uncompromising focus on health, safety, and environmental compliance as the foundation of all laboratory activity. Follow and assist in developing standard operating procedures for all major laboratory functions and maintain accurate records, inventory, and sample chain of custody documentation. Support ongoing use of the laboratory information management system.
• Research Support: Support execution of applied research programs spanning filter performance, N95 reusability, respirator fit testing, environmental aging, and aerosol transmission studies. Coordinate equipment scheduling across concurrent research workstreams and serve as the primary point of contact for external partners, vendors, and visiting collaborators.

What We're Looking For

• Demonstrated experience managing the installation, qualification, and routine operation of complex analytical or testing instrumentation.
• Strong organizational skills and a proven track record of building rigorous operational systems including SOPs, calibration records, preventive maintenance programs, and LIMS or equivalent documentation platforms.
• Proven ability to operate reliably and professionally with significant autonomy under remote leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a commitment to honest and timely reporting.

Nice to Have

• Experience in respiratory protection, filtration science, aerosol science, or industrial hygiene.
• Familiarity with NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 or OSHA respiratory protection standards under 29 CFR 1910.134.
• Hands-on experience with aerosol generation and measurement, particulate and filtration testing, materials characterization instrumentation, or related technical equipment.
• Prior experience contributing to a greenfield or startup laboratory build-out.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline such as mechanical engineering, chemistry, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field.
• Five or more years of hands-on laboratory management experience including direct supervision of technical staff.

Pay

The expected base salary range for this position, based in Berkeley, CA, is $75,000 to $95,000 per year. Actual base pay within this range will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, education, skills, and internal pay equity.

Benefits

In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, and flexible PTO.