Microalgae Cultivation Technician – Weekend Shift

About The Role

As a Microalgae Cultivation Technician, you will monitor and support the optimization of the cultivation and production process and systems. You will ensure the algae thrive and grow in a safe and efficient process. As part of the cultivation team—consisting of a Microalgae Cultivation Specialist/Supervisor, three lab technicians, and led by the Microalgae Director—you will contribute to optimizing growing conditions. You will collaborate daily with colleagues in production, maintenance, and quality, as well as internationally with headquarters in Japan and the sister company in Sweden. The position is located at the AstaReal site in Moses Lake, approximately 1.5 hours west of Spokane. Applicants should live within commutable distance of Moses Lake.

Responsibilities

• Part of the team responsible for Haematococcus pluvialis cultivation in production from lab to full-scale production
• Perform routine analyses and microscopy in the cultivation laboratory
• Monitor production processes during weekends
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure compliance and quality control
• Collaborate with the production team, quality, and maintenance

Requirements

• Ability to follow instructions and work independently after training
• Attention to detail and consistency with company protocols
• Dependability and accountability
• Comfort working early morning hours
• Interest in working in a laboratory setting
• Fluent in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Background or interest in science, biology, or laboratory work
• Previous lab, manufacturing, food, pharmaceutical, or quality-related experience
• Comfort working with laboratory routine procedures and documentation
• Basic computer skills (data entry, Excel, or similar)

Personal Skills

As a person, you are proactive, collaborative, communicative, and deliver on your promises—accountability is key. You combine patience and stamina with a sense of urgency when necessary. You always choose to be part of the solution and share your positive energy.

Schedule

This is a weekend-only role with scheduled working hours from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM (8-hour shift with a 1-hour lunch break).

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Additional perks include joining a science-based company with a strong track record of profitable growth, an innovative and international working environment, and a value-driven organization focused on health, well-being, and sustainability. The team is passionate about microalgae cultivation, and the company encourages local independence and agility.

About AstaReal

AstaReal is the world’s leading producer and innovator of natural astaxanthin. AstaReal Inc. is part of the AstaReal Group, a subsidiary of Fuji Chemical Industries Co., Ltd. The company serves North and South America, with natural astaxanthin cultivated, grown, and harvested at its manufacturing facility in Moses Lake, Washington. As global demand for natural astaxanthin grows, AstaReal remains dedicated to supplying premium products.