About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Biotechnology & Environmental Research.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Position overview

This part-time Research Technician role supports routine microbiology and fungal cultivation activities for a confidential client’s laboratory program focused on ice‑nucleating proteins. The role is hands-on and physically active, emphasizing high‑throughput agar‑plate inoculation, culture maintenance, wet‑lab chemistry, strict aseptic technique, and laboratory safety.

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Key responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiology tasks: culture and maintain microorganisms (including fungi) on agar plates and in other media.
• Execute high‑throughput agar‑plate inoculation and manage large numbers of cultures efficiently.
• Apply aseptic techniques consistently to prevent contamination and protect culture integrity.
• Conduct wet lab chemistry procedures for testing and characterizing microorganisms and ice‑nucleating proteins.
• Follow established laboratory safety protocols, including correct handling of biological materials, chemicals, and equipment.
• Accurately document experimental procedures and results using basic electronic/paper lab records.
• Support ongoing research related to ice‑nucleating proteins and their applications.
• Assist with routine lab maintenance: media preparation, sample labeling, cleaning work areas, and organizing supplies.
• Communicate observations, report issues, and collaborate to improve experimental workflows.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures and quality practices to ensure reproducible results.

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Essential qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, or a related science discipline.
• Demonstrated microbiology experience, including culturing microorganisms and working with agar plates.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique and sterile handling/transfer of cultures.
• Hands‑on wet lab chemistry experience (preparation, handling, testing of chemical solutions).
• Basic computer skills for data entry and documentation.
• Ability to perform physically demanding, repetitive, high‑throughput laboratory tasks.
• Familiarity with general lab equipment, practices, and safety protocols.

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Preferred / additional skills

• Academic or research experience in microbiology, fungal cultivation, or related biological sciences (projects, internships, lab courses).
• Experience in academic or industrial research labs (experimental design, data collection, analysis).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written protocols precisely.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple cultures and samples simultaneously.
• Interest in biological applications for weather modification, cloud seeding, or related environmental technologies.
• Ability to work independently and also collaborate effectively within a small research team.
• Willingness to learn new lab techniques and adapt to evolving research needs.

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Work environment & schedule

• This is a part‑time, fully onsite laboratory position.
• Work is hands‑on and may be physically strenuous (frequent standing, repetitive motions, high‑throughput plate work).
• The role involves handling microorganisms (including fungi) and performing wet lab chemistry with standard lab equipment.
• Strict adherence to aseptic procedures, PPE use, and laboratory safety rules is required.
• Typical lab attire and safety gear as mandated by protocols.

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Job type, location & timeline

• Employment type: Contract
• Workplace: Fully onsite
• Location: El Segundo, CA (El Segundo, California)
• Application deadline (as provided): Oct 6, 2026

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Compensation & benefits

• Pay range: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour.
• Actual pay within this range will depend on qualifications, experience, and other job‑related factors.
• If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include: medical, dental & vision; critical illness/accident/hospital plans; 401(k) with pre‑tax and Roth options; voluntary life & AD&D; short/long‑term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance program; and applicable time off policies. Benefit eligibility depends on job classification and length of employment.

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Equal opportunity & accommodations

Careertakes and our client are committed to fair and inclusive hiring. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind and consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please notify the hiring contact or Careertakes so we can discuss options.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.