Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician - Berkeley Yeast

About the role

The QA/QC Lab Technician supports our manufacturing operations. This role is not in the R&D lab.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain and propagate yeast cultures (freezer stock to 20-liter scale)
• Perform cell counts and viability assessments (microscopy and automated counter)
• Prepare media (agar plates and liquid media)
• Plate samples for quality monitoring
• Conduct fermentation assays
• Perform aseptic sampling
• Maintain detailed and accurate records (including COAs)
• Operate autoclaves safely
• Support root cause investigations
• Maintain lab organization and cleanliness

Secondary Responsibilities

• Clean-in-place (CIP) harvest vessels and yeast handling equipment
• General facility cleaning and organization
• Equipment setup and assembly
• Interdepartmental support as needed

Requirements

• Previous wet lab experience (academic or industry)
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs repeatedly
• At least 21 years of age
• Basic computer proficiency (email, spreadsheets, documentation)
• Strong record-keeping and documentation skills
• Availability: Sunday to Thursday or Monday to Friday
• Typical shifts: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Preferred experience: Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving (e.g., CAPA), familiarity with quality systems and food/manufacturing standards (e.g., GMP, HACCP), experience working in regulated or production environments, exposure to ERP or inventory management systems, brewery, fermentation, or food production experience

Compensation and Benefits

$50,000-$60,000 per year (compensation commensurate with experience)
Medical and dental insurance
Matching 401K after 1 year of employment
Commuter benefits
Paid time off