Company Description

Rubi is pioneering the next era of manufacturing with its proprietary enzyme cascade technology. Our cell-free biocatalysis platform converts waste carbon into high-value materials – including cellulose textiles, chemicals, and polymer ingredients – requiring a fraction of the energy use and capital investment of traditional manufacturing systems.

Our modular production systems are designed to be deployed anywhere, enabling us to establish resilient and decarbonized supply chains at projected cost parity with existing products. We've established partnerships with global manufacturers and retailers including Walmart, H&M, and Patagonia, and have been honored as World Economic Forum Technology Pioneers, MIT Tech Review 35 Innovators Under 35, European Patent Office Young Inventors Prize winners, and H&M Global Change Award winners.

As Rubi continues to scale, we're building an exceptional team across scientific and technical disciplines. We're currently seeking a Laboratory Technician to work closely with our scientists and engineers to execute experiments and support daily lab operations. Your work will directly impact our ability to produce and improve breakthrough materials that transform industries in partnership with exciting, well-known customers. You'll gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced startup environment while contributing to technology that revolutionizes manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities:

• Support enzyme work that includes enzyme/protein expression, purification, and related protocols.
• Perform DNA, isolations, amplifications, and quantifications using PCR methodologies.
• Assist with enzyme and product QA/QC assays, following SOPs at lab/pilot scale, such as cellulose quantification and characterization.
• Maintain and recharge protein purification columns.
• Enzyme cascade reactor set-up, operation, and clean-up.
• Perform product downstream processing work, including washing and additional processing.
• Prepare reagents, media, solutions, buffers, and sterile glassware and provide support with general laboratory upkeep and planning.
• Collaborate with team members to execute experiments.
• Troubleshoot experiments proactively, taking ownership of results, and next steps.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with scientists and engineers in support of project objectives.
• Document all processes and findings in an electronic lab notebook.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in related technical field with 1-2 years hands-on laboratory experience OR Associate's Degree in related technical field with 2-3 years hands-on laboratory experience OR High School Diploma with 3-5 years hands-on laboratory experience.
• Prior laboratory experience with protein biochemistry techniques.
• Strong molecular biology experience with hands-on knowledge of analytical methods for enzyme QC work (SDS-PAGE gels, western blots, densitometry, and related protein QC methods).
• Strong aseptic technique and familiarity with sterile microbiological practices such as sterilizing lab dishes and glassware using autoclaves and established SOPs.
• Experience tracking documentation from experiments in an electronic lab notebook such as Benchling.
• Ability to maintain lab readiness through routine equipment checks and calibrations (water baths, refrigeration systems, pH probes, shutdown procedures, etc.).
• Flexibility to cross-cover lab operations responsibilities as needed.
• High attention to detail, reliability, and consistency in executing routine workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High ownership and can-do attitude.
• A passion for discovery, sustainability, and innovation.

Nice-to-have (but not required):

• Experience with HDF (High-density fermentation) at lab scales up to 3L or more.
• Experience with FPLC/AKTA and/or Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF).
• Prior experience with lab operations/management including managing inventory and placing supply orders, unboxing packages and placing items in designated storage locations/conditions, and related tasks.
• Experience with Benchling.
• Start-up company experience.

Compensation: $70,000 - $82,500 annually; actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and geographic location.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (100% coverage of monthly fees of base plan for our employees and their dependents)
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to 2% of salary
• Generous equity
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 16 Paid Company Holidays, including company-wide Winter break (1 week)
• Daily $12 meal credit through Forkable meal delivery M-F
• Free snacks in-office
• A mission-driven environment solving one of the world's most pressing sustainability challenges through cutting-edge biotechnology
• Hands-on experience with engineered enzyme platforms alongside a world-class interdisciplinary team
• Direct impact on breakthrough materials used by global brands, with the opportunity to help scale technology from lab to market

We are excited to explore applicants with all different backgrounds so if you think you have the experience, please apply! Rubi Laboratories is dedicated to establishing a diverse employee base.

This position is in our Alameda, CA headquarters and requires on-site presence to complete the required laboratory work described. Rubi Laboratories cannot offer relocation assistance for this position.

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Rubi Labs cannot offer employment visa sponsorship at this time.

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.