Production Technician - Genomics

Join EarthOptics as a Production Technician- Genomics!

At EarthOptics we are combining cutting-edge genomic analysis, data science, microbiology, and remote sensing to revolutionize agriculture. Our mission is to help farmers and ranchers sustainably increase their yields and feed the growing world through all things soil.

We are a growing company with a passion for soil health, innovative technologies, and supporting all within the food value chain. We currently have ~100 individuals spread across 20 states and two countries, and they come from all walks of life, industries, and experiences. We are deeply focused on building the future of AgTech and sustainability and helping the world see soil differently.

The Production Technician- Genomics will join our Emeryville, CA Lab team to impact our mission through individual contributor responsibilities. In this role, you will perform routine molecular biology and production activities, including DNA extraction, sample preparation, equipment operation, and documentation in accordance with established standard operating procedures. You will help ensure that samples are processed safely, accurately, and efficiently in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Regardless of the role, our team embraces learning, craves collaboration, and is driven by a fast-paced environment. If you resonate with our values and goals, we encourage you to apply-even if you don't meet every requirement.

The digs:

• Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Temporary to Regular, Part-Time after 90-days based on performance and business needs
• Work Location: This is an onsite position in our Emeryville, CA office and laboratory
• Schedule: The role is 30 hours per week. Operations may occur seven (7) days per week during peak season. Employees may be scheduled for day, evening, and occasional weekend shifts. The actual days worked will vary (e.g., Tuesday-Saturday or Wednesday-Saturday) based on operational needs.
• Target Start Date: August 31, 2026 or September 14, 2026
• Compensation: $22.00 per hour

What you'll cultivate as a Production Technician-Genomics: (Your responsibilities)

• Ensure production spaces are kept clean, organized and compliant with safety protocols
• Execute daily tasks according to established procedures and quality standards
• Process assigned sample volumes accurately and efficiently while meeting established throughput and quality expectations.
• Set up and operate equipment (liquid handlers, centrifuges, autoclaves, pipettes, etc.) according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and monitor machines and tools used in the production process
• Safely prepare and handle reagents and waste involved in DNA extraction and sequencing (PPE provided)
• Organize (label, package, store) processed samples in accordance with workplace procedures
• Complete routine equipment cleaning, inspection, and basic maintenance in accordance with SOPs, and promptly report equipment issues.
• Record production data and complete required documentation
• Adhere to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements

Are you our soil-mate? You'll bloom in this role if you have experience in: (Your qualifications)

• High school diploma or equivalent required. An associate or bachelor's degree in a laboratory science or related field is preferred. Equivalent experience may substitute for education.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and dependability.
• Fosters a respectful workplace by building professional relationships and collaborating positively with all team members.
• Adapts to flexible working hours, with availability for occasional after-hours work.
• Applies strong attention to detail in all work tasks.
• Works comfortably with large volumes of soil and soil slurry.
• Performs repetitive tasks with consistent quality and focus.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and utilizes provided PPE.
• Proficiency in basic computer/IT troubleshooting and competency with hand tools.
• Ability to understand and precisely follow protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety guidelines.
• While performing duties of this job, you will be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• This job will be performed in a Lab environment; dress is casual and Protective Personal Equipment is supplied as well as lab coats.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor or transfer visas at this time.

Although not required, we'd love to see roots in:

• Prior experience working in a biology lab, soil processing lab, environmental lab, production lab, or similar high-throughput environment.
• Prior experience working with environmental samples, especially soil samples
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced, start-up environment

Aside from "the green", we can offer you:

• 401k Plan+ Employer Match up to 4%
• Accrued paid time off
• Candidate Referral Program
• Above and Beyond Bonus Program
• Regular opportunities to give feedback on our benefits offerings

How we stay grounded:

Although we have teammates working in the field, in-office, and at home, we aim to create a cohesive, diverse, and enriching environment for all of our employees. We embrace different tools to enhance our workflows and communicate intentionally, both live and asynchronously. A few quick facts you should know:

• We rely on Slack to communicate. Although there are a variety of team-specific systems to facilitate your work, this is our primary!

• We love both food and emojis at EarthOptics. If hired, you'll come to love (and use many) taco and donut emojis.

• Instead of values, we believe in actionable "cultural concepts". Collectively, we hold one another to act and give feedback with these concepts in mind. Ours are autonomy, accountability, collaboration, customer centricity, grit and grace.

Inclusion and Diversity at EarthOptics:

At EarthOptics, we embrace diversity and equality, and stand against any form of discrimination or harassment. We base all hiring and promotion decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability.

We are deeply committed to welcoming and including every qualified individual. As a part of this commitment, we ensure that persons with disabilities have access to reasonable accommodations. If you require assistance during the job application or interview process, need support to perform essential job functions, or seek other benefits and privileges of employment, please reach out to us at accommodations@earthoptics.com.

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