Process Development & Lab Operations Supervisor

Function: Part time/fractional Lab Supervisor Duties: Supervise day-to-day activities in R&D environment Compensation: $35-55/hour based on experience Prerequisite: 3-5 years similar or related experience in lab environments About SCO2, Inc. SCO2 has developed and patented Nextract Technology, a supercritical CO2 extraction technology that unlocks trapped value in food processing waste - transforming it into high-margin ingredients at industrial scale. Our small-scale process development lab is where that technology gets proven, run by run. This role keeps that lab moving. The role: You will run the daily operation of our small-scale CO2 process development lab: machine testing, operator activity, technician workflow, sample handling, lab inventories, shipping and receiving, documentation, and communication with company leadership. What you'll do Supervise daily operation of SCO2's small-scale CO2 processing systems - machine setup, material preparation, chamber loading, test execution, collection, shutdown, cleaning, and Translate test plans into clear instructions for the operator and technician, and confirm test readiness before every run: materials, machine condition, sample plan, labels, collection containers, run sheets, and safety checks. Supervise one machine operator (expanding to two as lab activity grows) and guide the lab technician on sampling, weighing, mass balances, and outside lab submissions. Ensure samples are properly collected, labeled, stored, documented, and prepared for outside laboratory testing. Manage lab inventories and shipping/receiving for inbound materials, outbound samples, retains, consumables, and required documentation. Review mass balances, sample logs, run sheets, and data tables; help assemble run reports, data summaries, observations, and recommendations. Enforce safe operation of CO2 processing equipment - pressure-rated components, stored-energy hazards, ventilation, CO2 monitoring, relief systems, lockout/tagout, and emergency procedures. Coordinate routine maintenance, cleaning, consumable replacement, filter changes, inspections, and troubleshooting; maintain and improve SOPs, run checklists, and calibration and deviation logs. Give leadership practical feedback on lab operations, staffing, equipment needs, test planning, and process improvement opportunities. What you bring 3+ years in laboratory operations, technical operations, manufacturing supervision, food or chemical processing, high-pressure systems, or a related technical environment. Experience supervising or directing operators, technicians, or lab staff. Comfort around industrial equipment: pumps, valves, pressure systems, sensors, piping, and mechanical systems. Strong attention to detail in documentation, sampling, weighing, labeling, and data review. Ability to follow SOPs, test plans, run sheets, safety procedures, and maintenance instructions - and to organize work across multiple tests, materials, and priorities. Clear communication: updates, findings, and recommendations leadership can act on. Willingness to work hands-on in a lab and floor environment, including setup, troubleshooting, cleanup, and equipment inspection. What sets you apart Direct experience with supercritical or liquid CO2, high-pressure gas systems, compressed gases, pressure vessels, pumps, or related equipment. Background in food ingredients, natural products, oils, proteins, flavors, fragrances, nutraceuticals, or similar process development applications. Experience writing SOPs, work instructions, checklists, run sheets, or technical documentation. Experience supporting design of experiments, process optimization, mass balances, yield calculations, sample plans, or technical reporting. Familiarity with pressure safety procedures, CO2 monitoring, ventilation requirements, lockout/tagout, and stored-energy hazards. Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, food science, biology, or manufacturing - strong experience can substitute. Fluency with Excel, data tables, and organized electronic records - plus practical use of AI tools for documentation, data summaries, and reporting, with the judgment to validate their output. Schedule, location & compensation This role is currently a part-time/fractional contract position with the potential for it to become a full-time opportunity. Onsite presence at our Little Canada, MN lab is required during active CO2 processing runs, machine setup, shutdown, cleaning verification, troubleshooting, operator training, and critical testing. The compensation range is $35-$55/hour based on based on experience and technical depth. #J-18808-Ljbffr SCO2