Laboratory Operations Technician

Laboratory Operations TechnicianEl Segundo, California, United StatesAbout VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses. From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.About This RoleVarda Space Industries is seeking a motivated Lab Operations Technician to support day-to-day laboratory operations. This role is critical to maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked lab environment, enabling scientists to work efficiently. The Lab Technician will report to the Lab Operations Manager. This is a 6 month temp position.Key ResponsibilitiesLab Maintenance and SupportPerform glassware cleaning, drying, and autoclaving according to established protocolsPerform routine decontamination of workspaces used for high-potency compound handling, including: Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), Ventilated Balance Enclosures (VBEs), Fume HoodsDispose of hazardous and contaminated waste in accordance with safety guidelinesMaintain general lab cleanliness, including benches, shared equipment, and common areasInventory and ReplenishmentMonitor inventory levels and proactively replenish lab supplies across lab areasPlace routine orders for lab supplies and consumables, or coordinate lab operations as neededReceive, unpack, and properly store incoming materials and chemicalsEquipment and Routine TasksPerform basic troubleshooting of lab equipment and infrastructure and escalate issues when appropriatePerform routine upkeep tasks such as freezer defrosting and gas handlingAssist with simple setup tasks for experiments as neededPrepare buffers, media, and common reagents according to established protocolsBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field1-3 years of experience in pharmaceutical or academic research laboratory settingsExperienced with troubleshooting and maintenance of complex analytical instrumentsFamiliarity with basic lab techniques and safety practices, including handling and disposal of chemical wasteAbility to follow SOPs and maintain accurate recordsStrong organizational skills and attention to detailEffective written and verbal communication skillsComfortable performing repetitive tasks with consistency and careAbility to lift/move boxes (up to 50 pounds)Preferred Skills and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field3-5 years of experience in a pharmaceutical research laboratory settingsHands-on experience troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instrumentation, including chromatography and mass spec, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, automation, microscopy, and crystallization (U/HPLC, CE, DLS, DSF, CD, FTIR, ELISA, MS, DSC, TGA, XRPD, Laser Diffraction)Previous experience working in GLP-compliant environmentsPay RangePay Range: $28.00 - $40.00/per hourThis role is on-site in El Segundo, CALeveling and base pay is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performanceBenefitsVarda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):Health & WellnessFlexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA optionsVoluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance$120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven ClinicSponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependentsFinancial & RetirementSubstantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)$20/pay period cell phone reimbursementRelocation support for new hires, if neededWorkplace Experience & PerksFully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weeklyCompany and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrationsComplimentary EV chargingITAR RequirementsVarda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. "US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).E-Verify StatementVarda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice