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Fermentation Lab Technician

New York, New York

Helaina is a VC-backed biotech startup creating a new category of functional food products.

Our vision is to bring the functional properties of human proteins to food. Helaina will be the first company to put human milk proteins into food, defining a new category of consumer nutrition products focused on supporting immunity. We see a range of opportunities to use our breast milk proteins to enhance other types of functional foods for all segments of the population.

Helaina is backed by top VCs in the industry including Spark Capital, Siam Capital, Primary Venture Partners, and Plum Alley. We are a team of change-makers looking for our next team member who is intensely passionate about advancing synthetic biology for food and beverage products and redefining the future of nutrition.

About the Job:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Fermentation Lab Technician to join our team. This is a part-time, hourly position, ideal for individuals with an associate degree in a technical field. The technician will be responsible for sampling fermenters, preparing media, setting up bioreactors, and maintaining a clean and organized lab environment.

What You’ll Do:

  • Perform routine sampling of fermenters and small-scale fermentations to monitor fermentation processes, including weekend work to ensure proper monitoring.
  • Prepare and sterilize media required for fermentation.
  • Set up, operate, and monitor bioreactors and other small scale cultivations according to standard procedures.
  • Wash, clean, and sterilize bioreactors and other lab equipment.
  • Accurately record and report data from fermentation runs and sample analysis.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and optimizing fermentation processes as needed.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment, ensuring adherence to lab safety standards.

About You:

  • You have an Associate degree in biotechnology, chemistry, microbiology, or a related field.
  • You must have or are able to obtain a C-14 fire safety certificate from FDNY
  • You have previous experience in a lab environment is a plus, but not required.
  • You are familiar with aseptic technique, fermentation processes and basic lab equipment is preferred.
  • You have strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately.
  • You are able to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
  • You have good organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.
  • Work Hours: This position requires availability from Friday to Tuesday, with expected weekend hours for sampling. Specific hours will be discussed during the interview process.

Compensation is market-competitive with an hourly rate of $24/hour.

We use a disciplined approach to compensation.  We believe this is the only way to create a consistent, strategic, and equitable compensation structure that in turn unlocks healthy growth for our organization.  We build our range with benchmarking data for the particular role from Pave.com.  Because Pave hooks into HRIS, they have the most accurate data for early-stage companies.  We decide any given hire's offer based on three factors:

first among them, expected performance in the role (based on performance in the interview process and proximity of experience);as well as seniority (amount of relevant experience);and location (different cost of living).

Benefits:

Helaina was founded on the belief that families should have freedom of choice.  We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that does just that, supporting our team's health, wellbeing and professional development at every stage and milestone.  We are proud to offer comprehensive health care, generous parental leave and childcare reimbursement, equity packages and more.  A few highlights include:

  • Full medical, vision and dental coverage
  • Short and long term disability insurance coverage
  • 401k match (up to 3%)
  • Unlimited vacation days, including an all-company holiday between Christmas and New Year
  • Paid Parental Leave for both parents + flexible return to work program
  • Childcare reimbursement program
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Leadership Development coaching through BetterUp

 

Visit us at https://www.myhelaina.com/news to learn more about Helaina.

 

Helaina is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Helaina we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.  You may just be the strongest candidate for this or other roles.  For more information, please contact careers@myhelaina.com.  

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