Research Associate

Welcome to the Post Pollution Future with LanzaTech About us: LanzaTech was founded on the belief that we have enough carbon above ground to make everything we need. Through our biorecycling technology, we transform carbon into sustainable raw materials, replacing the need for virgin fossil carbon in consumer goods and transport fuels. We are building the circular carbon economy. Our impact: To date, we have abated almost 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide (the equivalent amount of CO2 needed to charge 30,346,895,586 smartphones) across three commercial plants, and will soon have the capacity to abate 500,000 tons annually when three more plants launch in 2023. With dozens more projects in the pipeline, we are helping global companies like Zara, H&M Move, Coty, and On use recycled carbon to make sustainable consumer products from carbon that would otherwise be emitted from heavy industries such as steel making. Our team: We're a diverse, woman-led company, with over 400 team members and counting We're distributed around the globe-from Chicago and Europe to India, China, & New Zealand Named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential Companies of 2023, our team is taking on climate change one ton of carbon at a time. We are a woman-led company on a mission to recycle the world's carbon supply, and we want you to join us. Research Associate, Science Team - Weekend Coverage Key Responsibilities Contribute to and always adhere to all safety standards and practices. Work on the weekend shift to cover running bioreactors to maintain continuous fermentation. Collect fermentation samples in coordination with other technical staff; perform required sample preparation on samples outlined by experiment operators. Prepare samples for HPLC and load samples on HPLC's. Maintain accurate data sampling records. Communicate effectively with experiment operators about their reactors. Share responsibility for maintaining sterile reactors with reactor operators and preparation of sterile media, stock solutions and buffers. Write daily summaries and communicate results to supervisor and operators. Maintain a neat laboratory setting. Participate in general laboratory activities from the science teams including direct work in the synthetic biology department and media kitchen. Position Requirements Experience working in accordance with good laboratory practices and adhering to safe standards and practices. A basic knowledge of microbiology and biochemical laboratory principles; including the knowledge about fermentation and anerobic bacteria. Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a complex laboratory environment. Demonstrated organizational and prioritization skills. Capable of time-management to complete tasks efficiently and within stated timelines. Ability to work autonomously and within a team environment. Has strong interpersonal and communication skills. Proficient in standard computer/software programs (i.e. MS Office Word, Excel, powerpoint) Preferred Knowledge/Skills Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or equivalent, or in pursuit of an advanced degree. A minimum of 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience, this can include lab course work in college if applicable. Experience in fermentation and biotech. Physical Requirements/Work Environment Prolonged periods of standing in the lab and at a desk. Must be able to lift to 50 pounds at times. On site only position Learn more about us by visiting and take a look at some recent coverage: Selected by the US Department of Energy to receive a $200 million investment Featured on abc7 Chicago News with Mark Rivera TIME100's Most Influential Companies Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Forbes: Synthetic biology gets the Gucci treatment Find us on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter & Instagram This position is open to candidates authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer. LanzaTech is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. We are not able to support work visa sponsorship with this role and preference will be given to local candidates.