Research Laboratory Technician

Full Time, non-exempt | Bellingham, WA | Reports to: Technical Director

$33–35/hr depending on experience and interview outcomes

About Tidal Vision

We believe that sustainability should not require customers to compromise on price, convenience, or performance. Our mission is to create positive and systemic environmental impact by making our biopolymer solutions cost competitive, more convenient, and better performing than the synthetic chemicals we displace. We value innovation and take pride in challenging the status-quo; we choose to view obstacles as opportunities. We value new ideas and encourage the team to apply creativity and invent new solutions to meet challenging demands. We foster open, direct communication, and a collaborative working environment through our unique approach to work culture. We value our employees and demonstrate that through our compensation and benefits programs and opportunities for growth and development.

About Tidal Vision's Unique Work Culture

Tidal Vision strives to build and invest in the highest performing and most innovative team. We put our people and customers above process, avoid company-wide rules as much as possible, and have the courage to take unusual approaches to advance our mission. With this approach, we believe we can create a more flexible, fun, stimulating, creative, collaborative, and innovative organization. Our commitment to developing, practicing and promoting direct and open communication, responsibility and freedom, and leading with and seeking context is a responsibility for every role at Tidal Vision.

About the Role

Tidal Clear Water Science is a water treatment company operating as a focused chitosan-based research and development center. We are looking for a Research Technician to execute experiments that further our understanding of chitosan chemistry and support product development, from early proof of concept through the samples that reach customers in the field. Most of the role will be spent in the lab, carrying out experiments and collecting data. We want someone with strong technique who takes real ownership of the quality of their data.

Why This Role Matters

Every product we sell rests on data generated in our lab. The experiments run in this role determine which formulations move forward, what we can claim for performance and shelf life, and which product a customer gets for their water. We are displacing metal and synthetic coagulants with a biopolymer, and that case is only as strong as the data supporting it.

Responsibilities

• Run lab-scale experiments across our project portfolio, following established protocols and test methods
• Perform bench tests including jar testing, turbidity, pH, conductivity, zeta potential, viscosity, and settling and filtration evaluations
• Characterize customer and field water samples, running the analyses that inform treatment recommendations
• Run stability studies on commercial and prototype formulations to establish product shelf life
• Prepare reagents, standards, dilutions, and test waters to specification
• Record data completely at the time of measurement, including units, conditions, and observations
• Blend commercial and prototype formulations to specification, documenting actual quantities against the batch record
• Label, package, and document samples, including lot and batch identification
• Assemble and ship sample kits with correct hazard labeling
• Track inventory of kit components and finished samples, flagging replenishment needs early
• Calibrate and maintain lab instruments and balances on schedule, keeping clear records
• Troubleshoot basic instrument issues and escalate those affecting data quality
• Review SDS before handling new materials and follow chemical hygiene and PPE practices
• Manage chemical storage, segregation, and waste disposal per company procedure and regulation
• Work with our R&D and Product Development chemists across several concurrent projects
• Summarize results promptly so the team can act on them
• Suggest improvements to test methods and lab organization based on what you observe day to day

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, or related field
• 2+ years of laboratory, QC, or technical production experience following your degree
• Ability to follow written protocols precisely and produce consistent, repeatable results
• Attention to detail and disciplined data recording
• Proficiency with Excel for data entry, organization, and basic charting

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, or related field
• Experience in a water treatment, wastewater, or environmental testing laboratory
• Familiarity with jar testing, coagulation and flocculation, or polymer chemistry
• Experience blending, batching, or compounding liquid formulations

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Optional FSA/HSA
• 401k with 6% employer match
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short & long term disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• 21.67 days of paid time off + 10 holidays

Pre-Employment Requirements

The incumbent is subject to a background check.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Most of the work is performed in a lab setting. Incumbents must be able to follow all safety standards, especially while handling chemicals, and be able to stand, bend, sit, or walk for long periods of time, as well as be able to lift up to 50 pounds.