Laboratory Technician - Biomining

Job Description

Job Description

Genomics and Analytics Laboratory Technician

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity to join an early-stage, mission-driven startup that is transforming the mining industry through microbes, synthetic biology, and cloud computing to enable sustainable copper extraction. As a Genomics and Analytics Laboratory Technician, you will work in a hands-on, bench-based position supporting day-to-day lab operations and genomics workflows in a high-functioning laboratory in the Denver area. You will focus on sample preparation, equipment readiness, lab organization, and accurate sample tracking, while following established protocols and maintaining high standards of safety, data integrity, and reproducibility. This position is ideal for someone who values structured work, operational rigor, and contributing to an innovative team that is building a new path for sustainable resource extraction.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine genomics and analytical chemistry workflows in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintaining a strong emphasis on safety, data integrity, and reproducibility.
• Support analytical chemistry and genomics efforts through tasks such as column leach testing, wet chemistry, DNA extractions, and molecular biology workflows.
• Carry out sample preparation activities, including handling, labeling, tracking, and processing samples to support genomics and analytical workflows.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory spaces by cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment, sterilizing glassware, and organizing materials and supplies.
• Prepare reagents, media, standards, and samples to support laboratory, genomics, and analytical chemistry workflows.
• Set up, operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on standard laboratory equipment, including centrifuges and instruments used for UV-Vis, HPLC, LC-MS, and ICP-OES analyses.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report equipment issues promptly to ensure minimal disruption to research timelines.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures at all times, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe chemical handling, and appropriate waste disposal practices.
• Support compliance with OSHA, biosafety, and hazard communication standards by adhering to all safety protocols and contributing to a strong safety culture.
• Execute core wet lab techniques such as pipetting, aseptic technique, and wet chemistry with precision and consistency.
• Document all laboratory work accurately and consistently, including sample tracking, equipment usage, and experimental steps, to ensure traceability and reliable data.
• Manage multiple tasks and workflows in a fast-paced, hands-on lab environment while maintaining high standards of organization and execution.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and team members, communicating observations, issues, and results clearly and promptly to support research goals and timelines.
• Contribute to a safe, efficient, and high-performing research environment by proactively identifying and implementing improvements in lab operations.
• Support the bio intelligence department and internal teams, including analytical chemistry and related groups, by providing reliable laboratory and operational support.
• Demonstrate a disciplined, proactive approach to lab safety, recognizing that safety is non-negotiable and integral to all lab activities.
• Perform hands-on lab work that may involve extended periods of standing, equipment handling, and working with chemicals using appropriate PPE.
• Contribute to the broader mission of developing biological and data-driven systems that unlock stranded copper, reduce chemical use, lower emissions, and extend the life of existing mines.
• Participate in occasional weekend work as needed to support ongoing experiments and lab operations, with accommodations available for family or religious obligations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience.
• Prior experience supporting routine laboratory workflows, ideally in molecular biology or related wet lab environments.
• Proficiency in core wet lab skills, including accurate pipetting, sample handling, and consistent execution of established protocols.
• Experience working in a wet lab environment with wet chemistry techniques and aseptic technique.
• Ability to perform DNA extractions and support molecular biology workflows such as PCR and digital PCR (dPCR).
• Experience with sample preparation for genomics and analytical chemistry workflows.
• Comfort setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting standard laboratory equipment, including centrifuges and analytical instruments.
• Familiarity with analytical chemistry techniques and instruments such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, HPLC, LC-MS, and ICP-OES.
• Strong adherence to SOPs and laboratory best practices to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, consistent documentation of lab work, sample tracking, and equipment usage.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, hands-on laboratory environment.
• Clear, direct communication skills for collaborating with scientists and team members and supporting project timelines.
• Disciplined approach to lab safety, including proper chemical handling and consistent use of PPE, with a commitment to a zero-injury environment.
• Physical ability to perform hands-on lab work, including extended standing, equipment handling, and working with chemicals while using appropriate PPE, with reasonable accommodations provided as required by law.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with molecular biology workflows such as DNA or RNA handling, extraction, PCR, or qPCR.
• Experience with sample preparation and operation of instruments supporting analytical chemistry workflows, including ICP-OES, HPLC, and UV/Vis spectrophotometry.
• Exposure to sequencing workflows or platforms such as Illumina or Oxford Nanopore.
• Experience preparing sequencing libraries or supporting next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows.
• Familiarity with lab automation systems or high-throughput laboratory environments.
• Experience using electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), or similar data systems.
• Understanding of contamination control practices in genomics or molecular biology laboratories.
• Interest in career growth into research and development, including method development and real-time R&D once performance metrics are met.
• Motivation to be a solution-focused team member who moves with purpose and efficiency in a startup environment.
• Interest in working at the intersection of synthetic biology, cloud computing, and sustainable resource extraction.

Work Environment

This role is based on-site in a laboratory environment in Arvada, within the greater Denver area. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional weekend work required to support ongoing experiments and lab operations. Accommodations are available for team members who have family responsibilities or religious obligations during weekends. The lab environment is hands-on and bench-based, involving extended periods of standing, handling equipment, and working with chemicals while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). You will work closely with a small, growing team in an early-stage startup that is scaling rapidly. The organization emphasizes a strong safety culture, with a record of zero injuries and zero near misses and a clear commitment to maintaining that standard. The team values inclusivity, collaboration, and operational rigor, and is proud of its diverse workforce and supportive culture. The laboratory supports internal departments, including analytical chemistry and bio intelligence functions, and uses a range of technologies such as wet chemistry, molecular biology techniques, UV-Vis, HPLC, LC-MS, and ICP-OES. The work environment offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking efforts in copper bioleaching and sustainable mining, in a setting that combines innovative science, data-driven systems, and a mission-focused culture

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Arvada, CO.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $31.25/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Arvada,CO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.