Lab Assistant Jobs in Pinole, CA (NOW HIRING)

About ZymoChem

ZymoChem is pioneering breakthrough science for a fossil-free future. We are building bio-based materials that make everyday products better for people and the planet, accelerating the world’s transition to a true zero-carbon economy.

Backed by $65M in funding from global leaders including lululemon, Toyota Ventures, Breakout Ventures, and major U.S. government agencies (DOE, DOD), ZymoChem is scaling rapidly. With our Series B anticipated in early 2026, we are expanding across all teams to accelerate the commercialization of our products.

At ZymoChem, our culture is rooted in curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. We tackle complex scientific challenges with determination and succeed because of the strength of our diverse, multidisciplinary teams working toward a bold mission. As a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, we hold ourselves accountable not only to scientific and commercial excellence, but also to creating measurable impact for people and the planet. If you are motivated by advancing science, addressing climate-scale challenges, and shaping the future of sustainable materials, ZymoChem offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Our Mission: To catalyze a real-zero economy with drop-in, bio-based solutions.

Our Vision: To live in a world in which the goods we depend on every day are bio-manufactured from 100% renewable materials and designed for a sustainable economy - without compromise.

Our Values: Lead with Compassion, Aspire Collectively, Evolve Continuously, Innovate with Impact, Scale Sustainably

Position Summary

The Lab Assistant is responsible for ensuring a smooth workflow of laboratories by assisting with inventory management, waste stream management, and purchasing operations.  This position will also assist in creating and improving current processes.  The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for doing things the right way and would like to pursue a career in operations.  Some wet lab experience is strongly desired. This role will allow someone to grow and expand their skills with future opportunities. 

Department Summary

The Lab Operations team is our company backbone to ensure safe and ready laboratory environments for all R&D groups. Currently, the lab operation team is supporting four departments across upstream, downstream, analytics, and materials development. 

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections and checks on glasses and autoclave equipment.
• Clean, sterilize, and organize all laboratory glassware to maintain high standards of functionality and hygiene.
• Support building efficiencies for the team’s lab work and creating a safe and clean work environment. 
• Maintain inventory or reagents and consumable needed for media preparation and experiments. 
• Input purchase requests into the purchasing system to maintain equipment and chemical inventory.
• Responsible for the preparation of liquid and solid media required for experiments.
• Assist with EHS, facilities, shipping, receiving, and waste management.
• Monitor, track, and complete batch productions and other record keeping requirements.
• Willing to learn mechanical repair and instrument calibration to support the research team.  
• Coordinate with vendors and deliveries when needed.
• Reviewing and writing guidelines and additional opportunities to cross-train and back-up lab ops team members as needed.  
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications 

• Associates Degree in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Process Engineering, Material Science, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 1 years of experience in the biotech industry or lab environment.  A start-up experience is preferred. 
• Previous experience managing wet lab support activities such as media preparation, inventory and waste management preferred. 
• Strong aptitude for work with supplies and equipment along with a rigorous attention to details and quality - cleaning, organizing, sorting, stacking, etc. 
• Excellent customer service skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills among many stakeholders and levels in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time management skills, effective with multitasking, and an adept ability to improvise work plans while maintaining efficiency.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office, Google Suite, and familiarity with Zoom, Visio, and Slack preferred.
• Ability to safely move up to 50 lbs between locations (routinely move up to 15 lbs)
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.

Culture and Benefits

We are a mission-driven team building the future of sustainable materials. At ZymoChem, you’ll work on bold ideas with smart, collaborative people while enjoying  benefits that support you to have work & life balance. 

Full-time opportunities at ZymoChem come with: 

• Competitive pay range of $28-34/hour based on experience.
• 401(k) retirement plan (traditional and Roth) with up to 4% company match
• 100% Employee coverage on base medical, dental, and vision plans and up to 80% dependent coverage. and life and long-term disability insurance.
• Additional benefits include FSA, commuter, and supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible time off policy with 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year and 11 paid company holidays per year.
• Relocation assistance may be agreed upon as well.
• Monthly Team all-hands and social events. 

If this opportunity sounds exciting and aligns with your career aspirations, we want to hear from you!  Please send your resume/CV and a cover letter through our website job posting.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. ZymoChem may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa immediately or in the future if there is a shortage of individuals with particular skills for this job.  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.

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