Laboratory Technician (Part-time, hourly)

Birch Biosciences is a startup company based in Portland, Oregon that is developing new technology for plastic recycling. Conventional recycling methods are expensive, inefficient, and unsustainable. We’re developing a new approach to recycling complex plastics using engineered enzymes that is low cost, efficient, and importantly, reduces the environmental impacts of plastic. Global demand for plastic is expected to triple by 2050, so our plastic problem is only going to get worse unless we do something about it!  We are seeking passionate individuals to join us in building a company dedicated to tackling the challenges of plastic waste and making a lasting impact on our community and our environment. 

Position overview:

We are seeking a part-time Laboratory Technician to join our team, who will play a pivotal role in supporting our lab operations. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and adept at multitasking. If you are motivated, possess strong organizational skills, and thrive in the unique challenges of a scrappy start-up setting, we invite you to apply and help us solve one of the major unsolved environmental problems.

Responsibilities:

• Support all laboratory operations including dish washing, media preparation, autoclaving, equipment maintenance, safety, and waste management.
• Support Birch’s high-throughput enzyme engineering platform, communicating closely with the R&D team to prepare for weekly screening initiatives. 
• Provide general experimental support to Birch scientists, including set up of laboratory experiments and data collection.
• Organize and maintain laboratory inventory, collaborating with the administrative team on routine purchasing and stocking of supplies.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a biotechnology laboratory is preferred.
• Commitment of 15-20 hours per week during regular business hours (9am-5pm).
• Eagerness to build foundational skills and grow with the Birch team. 
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced work environment, adapting swiftly to changing priorities.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to maintaining accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

This is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position. Expected hours: 15-20hrs/week at a rate of $16-21/hr. Compensation will be based on level of experience with requested qualifications.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter that addresses the following questions:

1. Why do you want to work at Birch Biosciences?
2. What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?
3. What are your long-term goals and how would this opportunity contribute to your career development?

Work at Birch:

We are a small team who care deeply about making a lasting impact on the planet. Together, we uphold our values in our work and how we treat one another. At Birch, you'll find a supportive community where we empower one another to think big. We believe in the collective power of our team and strive for everyone to have a fulfilling and rewarding career.

If you don’t have all of the pre-requisite skills, experience or degrees, please send us an application—we’d love to evaluate your application and see if there is an opportunity for us to work together! 

Birch Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. 

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.