About us:Based in Berkeley, CA, UPSIDE Foods grows meat, poultry, and seafood directly from real animal cells. These products are not vegan or vegetarian-they are delicious meat, made without the need to raise and slaughter billions of animals. In doing so, the company aims to address some of the most pressing environmental, animal welfare, and public health challenges, while still giving people the meat they love. Founded as the world's first cultivated meat company in 2015, UPSIDE Foods (formerly Memphis Meats) has achieved numerous industry-defining milestones, including being the first company to produce multiple species of meat (beef, chicken, and duck) and to sell a cultivated meat product in the United States. The company believes that people shouldn't have to choose between the foods they love and a thriving planet, and is working to build a better food system with access to delicious, humane, and sustainable meat, poultry, and seafood. UPSIDE Foods has won various industry awards, including New York Times' Good Tech Awards, FastCo's Next Big Thing in Tech and World Changing Ideas Awards, and the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation by the National Association for Business Resources. UPSIDE Foods has raised a total of $608 million, including from the Abu Dhabi Growth Fund (ADG), Baillie Gifford, Bill Gates, Cargill, John Doerr, John Mackey, Kimbal and Christiana Musk, Norwest, Richard Branson, Softbank, Temasek, Threshold, Tyson Foods, and others.About this job:As a Laboratory Technician in the Food Research and Development department, you will play an integral role in various activities, working with a moderate degree of supervision and strictly adhering to standard operating procedures for the development of cultivated meat! Your role includes handling tasks specific to the Food Applications function, such as operating advanced chromatography equipment, preparation of analytical reagents, sample extraction and quantitation, and instrumentation maintenance. This role will be based 5 days a week in our Berkeley, CA office.Responsibilities Include:
- The main responsibility of the Laboratory technician is to operate GC-MS and GC-O equipment in support of Food R&D projects.
- Perform routine maintenance on chromatography instruments, ensuring they are clean and functioning at peak performance.
- Calibrate instruments following GLP protocols and document all calibration activities.
- Follow SOPs with a moderate degree of independence to perform a diverse range of lab tasks, from routine to complex, ensuring utmost accuracy and efficiency
- Prepare reagents, analytical standards, and other solutions with a high level of precision. Maintain a comprehensive log of chemical standard preparations, including reagent lot numbers, concentration calculations, and expiration dates.
- Adhere strictly to quality control measures and safety guidelines, demonstrating advanced understanding and application of proper PPE usage and maintaining a safe working environment
- Exhibit an in-depth understanding of all materials, equipment, and items vital to the laboratory. Lead in organizing and maintaining the lab space, including efficient inventory management and suggesting improvements for lab operations
- Collect, organize, and analyze data in a proficient manner
- Proactively monitor the working environment and processes, using your expertise to identify, report, and escalate any changes, inconsistencies, or concerns to the supervisor and relevant users promptly
- Maintain clear and effective communication with all team members and supervisors, often serving as a point of contact for the implementation of analytical assays and safety
About You:
- Associate's degree in a scientific field, a biotechnology certificate, or professional experience in cell biology, bioengineering, or a related science (analytical chemistry preferred); hands-on GC-MS lab experience required
- Experience in the use of laboratory equipment, demonstrating proficiency and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues
- Proven ability in leading or significantly contributing to a team environment through scientific collaboration, often taking initiative in coordinating team efforts
- Exceptional communication and teamwork skills
- Able to stand for extended periods and able to work in a laboratory environment, which includes regular handling of laboratory chemicals and samples
Who You'll Work With:
- This role will most frequently interact with our FR&D teams including product development, sensory and ingredient discovery.
Compensation Range: $25/hr - $33/hr**Pay may vary depending on factors including job-related knowledge and skills.UPSIDE Benefits!
- Stock options for all full-time incoming team members!
- 90-100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for team members (medical [including HSA and FSA], dental, and vision)
- Pet insurance for your furry family members!
- 3 Weeks PTO Accrued Annually
- Employee Engagement Council
- Company-sponsored learning & development opportunities
UPSIDE Foods is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Our company-wide mission is to create a product for everyone, so we are deeply committed to having teams and leaders that reflect this mission.