Laboratory Technician

About Willow Biosciences: Willow Biosciences is a synthetic biology company that develops and produces precision fermented ingredients for the health and wellness, food and beverage, and personal care markets. Willow’s FutureGrown^TM and BioOxi^TM platforms were built to revolutionize industrial manufacturing of pure, consistent, and sustainable ingredients with sustainability at its core. Willow’s R&D team engineer organisms to produce plant-, animal-, and petrochemical-derived ingredients through precision fermentation. Our fully integrated processes are more sustainable, secure, and cost-effective than traditional extraction or chemical synthesis routes and typically provide products of higher purity and yield.

Mission, Values and Beliefs: It is rewarding to work at a company where people genuinely believe in what they are doing. At Willow Biosciences, we are committed to bringing high-purity compounds to market through scalable and cost-effective bio-based processes. We work hard, we are serious about what we do, and we like to have fun while we are at it!

Position: Laboratory Technician We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Technician to support R&D operations.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA US

Education: BSc in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related discipline.

Experience: BSc plus 2 or more years’ demonstrated experience working directly in a laboratory environment. Candidates with experience working in a life science start up environment are preferred. This position works collaboratively with the science team and thus excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lab maintenance and disposal of biohazard waste
• Sterilizing pipette tips, tubes, glassware etc.
• Monitoring lab stock and requesting orders for general lab supplies such as pipette tips, centrifuge tubes, culture tubes, chemicals/media supplies, and/or consumables
• Receiving/unpacking deliveries and update inventory in LIMS
• Preparing media
• Preparing yeast and bacterial glycerol stocks
• Streaking out yeast/bacteria on to media and preparing liquid overnight cultures
• Preparing stock solutions
• Preparation of competent cells and transformations (yeast and bacteria) 
• DNA/RNA isolation 
• PCR Cleanups & General PCR Protocol 

Job Requirements:                   

• Dependable and demonstrated track record for excellent work attendance and accountability for tasks assigned
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills, documentation, organization, good record  keeping, writing reports and SOPs
• Ability to take ownership, prioritize responsibilities, multi-task and remain flexible with changing needs
• Must be motivated and able to work under tight deadlines
• Attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practice
• Are curious, creative, and tenacious
• Model our core values and believe in our mission

Physical Demands:

• Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods
• Performing repetitive tasks with hands, fingers, and wrists
• Use of standard lab PPE (lab coats, safety glasses and gloves)

Position Type: Full-time position

Travel: Not required

Work Authorization: Authorized to work in the US

Salary & Benefits:

• Competitive salary package, 401k, healthcare benefits, medical, vision & dental
• Paid vacation and company holidays
• Life / AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Opportunities for professional development
• Company and team wide social events

Equal Opportunity Employment: Willow Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.