Research Strain Technician

Our Foundry Research group is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative Strain Technician to join the dynamic team advancing biofabrication of mycelium biopolymers. The Strain Technician role will focus on servicing a diverse strain library, executing laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintaining proper documentation. Primary work will focus on depositing strains, strain selection, quality assays, observation, and data collection & management. This position is responsible for assisting in all aspects of Ecovative’s strain program, which may extend to data analysis and interpretation. This Strain Technician will also support overall strain research operations in the lab and at pilot scale with outline tasks and maintenance.

Essential Functions:

• General strain library housekeeping and stock maintenance
• Deposit and passage strains as requested by researchers
• Perform quality and diagnostic testing as per SOPs
• Perform strain isolations and sequencing
• Maintain equipment related to workstreams
• Monitor and order media components and consumables related to workstreams
• Clear communication with researchers on timelines, deliverables, and observations
• Perform data collection and document all research observations
• Contribute to general lab space organization and cleaning
• Perform physical mixing of growth media components
• Use industrial and lab equipment
• Follow SOPs and safety guidelines
• Comply with company lab policies and procedures

Required Skills:

• Familiarity of aseptic technique including the use of laminar flow hoods and biosafety cabinets
• Familiarity with the scientific method
• Comfortable working within a laboratory setting and dexterity at the bench
• Ability to perform math pertinent to protocol execution
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to communication cross functionality with teammates
• Critical thinking skills
• Ability to document data with integrity
• Technical writing experience
• Basic ability to use Word processing and data management software

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, biological or chemical engineering, or related field with relevant exposure to laboratory work outside of required coursework desired or Associate's with two (2) years of relevant work experience

Desired Skills:

• High competency for fungal strain handling and maintenance practices
• Passion for biotechnology and familiarity with microbiological culture techniques
• Comfortable learning quickly when faced with unfamiliar tasks and new tools