Solugen
Houston, TX 77035
Position
Bioprocess Lab Technician
About Solugen
At Solugen, we believe planet-scale change starts with the chemistry we use every day. So, we’ve built the world’s first carbon negative molecule factory. Fusing biology with chemistry and technology to make the materials we need to sustain life on Earth. Solugen, Inc. is a revolutionary product and technology company seeking to use biology to transform the chemicals industry. Solugen was founded in 2016 and is a post-Series D venture-backed biotechnology company supported by renowned venture capital firms including Founders Fund, FiftyYears, Refactor, Y Combinator, Temasek, GIC, and Baillie-Gifford. Located in Houston, Texas, Solugen has recently started-up a first-of-its-kind carbon-negative manufacturing facility - The BioforgeTM - that uses a novel chemoenzymatic technology to manufacture bio-based chemistries for a wide range of applications including water treatment, agriculture, personal care, and other applications. Solugen currently has 175+ full time employees.
Mission
This role focuses on both bench scale (1 L) and pilot scale (300 L) preparation, execution, and cleanup of fermentation and recovery experiments. This includes preparation of fermentation media and buffers, assembly of fermenters, sterilization of equipment, setup of centrifuges/homogenizers/filters, tear down of equipment, and cleanup of equipment and lab space. This role will also help with experiment execution, including overnight fermentation monitoring. This role is an excellent opportunity for someone from an operations background to experience research and development.
Key Outcomes
- Prepare fermentation media and enzyme buffers from recipes at up to the 300 L scale
- Assemble, sterilize, break down, and clean benchtop and pilot fermenters and downstream process equipment
- Troubleshoot process lab issues, such as pumps, fittings, valves
- Keep the lab clean and orderly, 5S operation (Sort/Set in Order/Shine/Standardize/Sustain)
- With training, come to operate bench top and pilot fermenters, centrifuges, and filters
Key Competencies
Job Specific
- Comfortable with hands on work, including blending recipes, assembling process equipment, and cleaning up laboratory spaces (dishwasher work, neutralizing acids/bases, etc.)
- Interested in learning about industrial fermentations and bioprocessing is required
- Able to use Microsoft Excel to perform basic calculations, such as determining concentrations or combining weights and volumes of samples
- Benchtop or laboratory experience preferred but not required
- Industrial cooking or homebrewing experience is helpful but not required
- Comfortable working in an industrial environment
- Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds
- Able to work shifts during nights and weekends as required
Company Specific
- Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work
- Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture
- Emphasize safety above all else
- Respect for others
- Willingness to learn and research new engineering/science concepts
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
- AS in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering, Process Technology, Food Science, or similar degree preferred but not required
- Experience in an industrial or laboratory setting preferred but not required
- Extensive experience with industrial cooking and/or home brewing is relevant but not required
Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.