Lab Assistant

Rubi is ushering in an entirely new planet-positive era for manufacturing. Our vision is a world where human prosperity is planet-positive, and manufacturing is symbiotic with Earth. Our mission is to build the world’s most sustainable supply chains for the important materials we rely on; including textiles, building materials, food, packaging, and more.  

Rubi decarbonizes supply chains, starting with the fashion industry. Inspired by how trees breathe in CO2, Rubi uses biochemical processes powered by enzymes at an industrial scale to ‘eat' carbon emissions and make carbon-negative, resource-neutral textiles for the fashion industry. Within the last year alone, Rubi’s game-changing technology has captured the interest of the scientific community, top investors, and the world’s most influential fashion brands. It has partnerships with global fashion brands and manufacturers and has been featured in Vogue Business and TechCrunch.  

As Rubi Laboratories is growing, we are building our amazing team to cover all the scientific realms needed by our technology and currently we are looking to bring on a Lab Assistant who will assist in day-to-day operations of the lab and help support team members across the organization on various projects. This position will report directly to Rubi’s Laboratory Manager. Most importantly, your work will play a key impact for our product and how widely accessible this carbon-negative material is available to exciting, and well-known brands. Lastly, you thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and are passionate about dedicating your craft to the betterment of the world. 

In this role you will: 

• Assist daily lab and office operation duties like washing and stocking glassware and keeping the kitchen, supply rooms and lab clean and tidy 
• Create a welcoming and professional atmosphere for visitors. Escort guests as needed and contribute to a warm, friendly environment.  
• Assist with shipping and receiving - sort daily mail and ensure timely delivery to appropriate personnel for lab and office
• Assist in daily office management tasks, like watering the plants, cleaning the coffee machine, etc.  
• Manage inventory of both office and lab consumables and help to implement a robust organized inventory management system
• Maintain media and buffer stocks for the laboratory
• Assist with freezer and equipment maintenance and support the lab manager in other facilities work as it comes up
• Perform hazardous and chemical waste disposal
• Collaborate with team members on projects, initiatives, lab and office improvements
• Understand operational laboratory workflows and successfully balance routines tasks and ad-hoc work
• Help organize and manage regular work social events, such as holiday parties and weekly fun activities, to enhance employee engagement 

Qualifications: 

• Associates degree preferred 
• Experience working in a laboratory environment 
• Inventory management or warehouse experience 
• Strong attention to detail, time-management, and multitasking ability to complete tasks thoroughly and correctly
• Enthusiastic and willing to contribute across various tasks with a can-do attitude
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn new skills
• Strong and open communication style 
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds 

Nice-to-Have: 

• Tool-savvy - able to make equipment/facilities repairs as needed using common tools 
• Experience with hazardous and chemical waste removal 
• A passion for discovery, sustainability, and driving innovation. 

Rubi Laboratories is dedicated to providing a supportive work environment for all our employees. We provide competitive salary, generous equity, and benefits in a rapidly growing venture-backed company with all the exciting career and growth opportunities that come with it.  

• Compensation: $69,700 - $75,000 annually, actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and geographic location.  
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (100% coverage of monthly fees of base plan for our employees and their dependents)  
• 401K with up to 6% company match  
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) and 27 Paid Company Holidays, including company-wide Winter break (2 weeks) and Summer break (1 week)  
• Generous equity   
• Free healthy breakfast and snacks in-office 
• Forkable meal service delivered to office with $9 meal credit, 5 days per week  

 We are excited to explore applicants with all different backgrounds so if you think you have the experience, please apply! Rubi Laboratories is dedicated to establishing a diverse employee base and especially encourages applicants from backgrounds most affected by the impacts of global climate change.     

This position is located in our Alameda, CA headquarters and requires on-site presence to complete the required work described. Rubi Laboratories is unable to offer relocation assistance at this time for this position.     

Rubi Laboratories requires employees to be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot, against COVID-19 unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation. Proof of such vaccination will be required as part of the hiring process.    

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Rubi Labs may agree to sponsor an individual for an employment visa now 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.