SOLUGEN

Houston, TX 77035

POSITION

Process Development Lab Technician

ABOUT SOLUGEN

At Solugen, we believe planet-scale change starts with the chemistry we use every day. So, we've built the world's first carbon negative molecule factory. Fusing biology with chemistry and technology to make the materials we need to sustain life on Earth. Solugen, Inc. is a revolutionary product and technology company seeking to use biology to transform the chemicals industry. Solugen was founded in 2016 and is a post-Series D venture-backed biotechnology company supported by renowned venture capital firms including Founders Fund, FiftyYears, Refactor, Y Combinator, Temasek, GIC, and Baillie-Gifford. Located in Houston, Texas, Solugen has recently started-up a first-of-its-kind carbon-negative manufacturing facility - The BioforgeTM - that uses a novel chemoenzymatic technology to manufacture bio-based chemistries for a wide range of applications including water treatment, agriculture, personal care, and other applications. Solugen currently has 175+ full time employees.

MISSION

Reporting to a Chemical Process Development Engineer/Scientist, this role focuses on setup, execution, and cleanup of various process experiments, such as reactions and separations. This includes preparing samples for distillation, crystallization, liquid-liquid extraction, exchange/adsorption, precipitation, and filtration studies. This role will also help with Solugen's Pilot Plant, including occasional overnight reaction operation and monitoring. This role is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for hands on research experience in a chemical engineering or process engineering environment.

Key Outcomes

• Setup and clean laboratory equipment (such as lab crystallizers)
• Troubleshoot process lab issues, such as pumps, fittings, valves
• Keep the lab clean and orderly, 5S operation (Sort/Set in Order/Shine/Standardize/Sustain)
• With training, come to operate various unit operations such as pressurized reactors and pilot scale separations equipment
• Implement new lab equipment and work on experiment automation projects
• Contribute to creative solutions to various problems faced with new process development and scale up

KEY COMPETENCIES

JOB SPECIFIC

• Comfortable with hands on work, including preparing and titrating solutions, assembling process equipment, and cleaning up laboratory spaces (blending, neutralizing acids/bases, etc.)
• Interested in learning about process development and scale up is required
• Able to use Microsoft Excel to perform basic calculations, such as determining concentrations or combining weights and volumes of samples
• Benchtop or laboratory experience preferred but not required
• Comfortable working in an industrial environment
• Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Able to work occasional shifts during nights and weekends as required

COMPANY SPECIFIC

• Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work
• Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture
• Emphasize safety above all else
• Respect for others
• Willingness to learn and research new engineering/science concepts

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• AS in Chemistry , Engineering, Process Technology, Food Science, or similar degree preferred but not required
• Experience in an industrial or laboratory setting preferred but not required
• Experience with chemical plant operations is relevant but not required
• Experience in an industrial kitchen, food processing plant, or pharmacy is also relevant

Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.