BioDesign Studio Lab Technician (Part-Time)

Who We Are

Since opening in 1998, The Tech Interactive has been an integral part of the San Francisco Bay area and is proud to serve families and young people through hands-on activities, experimental labs, and design challenge experiences. 

Here at The Tech our mission is to inspire the innovator in everyone! We are a team of diverse individuals committed to creating learning experiences that empower young folks to innovate with creativity, curiosity, and compassion. We believe that technology is leading and transforming lives all over the world and we want to help develop the next generation of problem-solvers.

If you join our team, we know you will have a fulfilling and rewarding role focused on giving back to our community, especially those that have been historically marginalized and underserved. 

Position Overview

The Role

The BioDesign Studio Lab Technician has a key role in the ongoing operations of our biology-based exhibition space — BioDesign Studio — a space that allows people of all ages to personally create with biology. In this role, you will perform essential backend (not visitor-facing) lab tasks to support the ongoing operations of various exhibits within the BioDesign Studio exhibition (Living Colors Lab, Biotinkering Lab, and staff Bio Support Labs). This non-exempt (hourly) position reports to the Life Sciences Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare basic biological stock solutions and reagents using common laboratory equipment. This includes visitor consumables such as agar nutrient plates and tubes with DNA and bacteria as well as other supplies as requested, depending on the specific visitor programs being run in the flexible exhibit areas. 
• Inventory, tracking and ordering of some exhibit supplies to ensure a stable supply chain of consumables for the Living Colors Lab exhibit. 
• Tracking and support of living systems being used in exhibits such as testing of bacterial batch efficacy for Living Colors Lab as well as helping with any living systems being used for visitor programs being run in the flexible exhibit area, as needed. Other backend lab and supplies preparation duties, as assigned, to establish a fully functioning exhibit.
• Weekly cleaning tasks to support smooth exhibit operations for both visitors and staff.
• Accurate lab notes and record keeping for all lab tasks, exhibit stocks and visitor reagent batches produced.
• Maintain active communication with the Life Sciences Program Manager about material readiness, potential reagent issues, and equipment concerns or maintenance needs. 
• Attend staff and volunteer meetings, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Degree or degree in progress in a science or related field required.
• Experience in a lab setting is strongly desired.
• Ability to follow written instructions.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to accurately complete repetitive work in an isolated environment
• Detail oriented and with strong organizational skills.
• Solid communication skills, both written and verbal
• Interest in science and technology.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of The Tech.
• Ability to adhere to The Tech’s grooming guidelines.

Working Conditions and Schedule 

• This is an onsite position. 
• This is a part-time, variable hour position. Expected hours will range from 4-8 hours per week, depending on business needs. The Tech is open Wednesday through Sunday. Schedule will vary based on The Tech’s operating schedule, scheduled field trips, and business need.
• Significant periods of standing, walking, or sitting within an assigned space.

• Frequently moves objects up to 25 pounds.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) at The Tech

Our success is dependent on building teams that include people from different backgrounds and experiences who challenge each other’s assumptions with fresh perspectives. To that end, we look for a diverse pool of applicants including but not limited to those from historically marginalized groups — women, people with disabilities, people of color, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or nonconforming, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Tech will provide an equal opportunity in recruitment and employment to all individuals and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Any applicant with a disability may contact The Tech Interactive to arrange for accommodations. Please contact the Tech at careers@thetech.org or call (408) 795-6248.