Lab Technician

About the Company

Sapho Bio is the developer of a rapid microbiology release platform for precision medicine. We are a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers committed to transforming pharmaceutical release testing through innovation, speed, and accuracy. We are a team built on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement, scaling rapidly following product validation and commercial traction. Our culture emphasizes agency, innovation, intellectual curiosity, and continual learning.

About the Role

• We are seeking a meticulous and dependable Lab Technician to support pharmaceutical batch release testing, cleanroom maintenance, and USP-compliant assays. You will work directly with our founding scientists and laboratory team in a BSL-2 environment, performing sterility testing via qPCR, endotoxin assays, and other critical quality control procedures.
• The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working independently in a cleanroom setting, and passionate about maintaining the highest standards of laboratory compliance.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum1 year of experiencesupporting laboratory operations or quality control testing
• BS in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, or a related STEM field (or equivalent relevant lab experience)
• Exceptional attention to detailwith strong organizational and follow-through skills
• Excellent written communication skills: a strong reader and writer (primary communication is written)
• Proficiency in pipetting and standard wet lab techniques
• Strong reading comprehension for SOPs, scientific literature, and USP chapters
• Strong ability to leveragetechnology and toolsto improve efficiency and workflows
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities, including multiple lots with competing deadlines
• Ambitious, proactive, and solutions-orientedwith a mindset toward continuous improvement
• Mustreside in San Carlos (surrounding areas)— within a 30-minute commute
  

Preferred

• Experience in ISO-classified cleanroom environments
• Familiarity with qPCR assays, nucleic acid extraction, and aseptic technique/gowning procedures
• Knowledge of USP chapters 71, 797, 85, and 1223
• Experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory

Core Responsibilities

• Batch Release Testing: Check pharmaceutical lots and verify chain of custody documentation
• Sterility Testing: Perform sterility testing via qPCR in an ISO 5 biosafety cabinet within an ISO 7 cleanroom
• Assay Support: Support endotoxin (LAL), potency, and Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing per USP guidelines
• Cleanroom Compliance: Maintain cleanroom and BSL-2 laboratory compliance, including environmental monitoring
• Documentation: Document methods and results per cGMP and GLP standards with meticulous accuracy
• Scientific Literature: Read and summarize scientific papers and USP chapters relevant to laboratory operations

Travel & Logistics

• Must be able to commute to the San Carlos, CA office (1068 Washington Street, San Carlos, CA 94070) on a consistent weekly schedule

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $75,000-$79,000 (commensurate with experience and market benchmarks)
• Paid Time Off: Unlimited PTO, plus company-recognized holidays
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• DoorDash Credit: $25 credit for lunch and dinner while working in the office
• 401(k) Plan with company matching, subject to plan terms
• Company-paid life insurance
• Stock option package

Ideal Candidate Profile

• You are someone who:
• Takesfull ownership of outcomes, not just tasks
• Is highly proactive and treats every sample as if patient safety depends on it
• Thrives in structured, compliance-driven environments with zero tolerance for shortcuts
• Has meticulous attention to detail and catches errors others might miss
• Can be trusted to work independently and uphold the highest standards

Application Requirements

• Your cover letter (one page) should include clear examples of:
• A time you demonstrated exceptional work ethic
• A time you identified a critical error through attention to detail
• A time you followed a complex protocol or SOP without cutting corners

Life at Sapho Bio

• High-Impact Work: Contribute to transforming pharmaceutical testing and patient safety
• Competitive Compensation: Top-tier hourly rate for part-time roles
• Fast-Paced Environment: Join a team that moves quickly and executes with purpose
• World-Class Team: Work alongside experienced scientists and operators
• Prime Location: Sunny, collaborative workspace in San Carlos

Sapho Bio is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment is at-will, in accordance with California law.