Production Associate Genomics
Emeryville, CA - USA
Job Summary
Join EarthOptics as a Production Associate!
Our mission is to be the leading soil information company delivering maps that growers farmers ranchers and other stakeholders use to cost-effectively increase yields and improve soil health and the climate. We are creating a future where traditional sampling methods are obsolete.
At EarthOptics we are combining cutting-edge genomic analysis data science microbiology and remote sensing to revolutionize agriculture. Our unified mission is to help farmers and ranchers sustainably increase their yields and feed the growing world through all things soil.
We are a growing company with a passion for soil health innovative technologies and supporting all within the food value chain. We currently have 100 individuals spread across 20 states and two countries and they come from all walks of life industries and experiences. We are deeply focused on building the future of AgTech and sustainability and helping the worldsee soil differently.
OurProduction Associate will join our Genomics team in our Emeryville CA laboratory as an individual contributor supporting EarthOptics mission through high-quality laboratory operations. We have certain criteria across all our hires at EarthOptics no matter the position or team. Regardless of the role our team embraces learning craves collaboration and is driven by a fast-paced environment. If you resonate with our values and goals we encourage you to apply.
The digs:
- Job Type: Full-Time Non-Exempt
- Work Location: This is an onsite position in our Emeryville CA office and laboratory.
- Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:30pm
- Target Start Date: August 2026
- Compensation: $25.00/hour
What youll cultivate as a Production Associate:(Your responsibilities)
- Perform high-throughput DNA extraction using established laboratory workflows and automated liquid handling systems.
- Conduct DNA quality control (QC) using a variety of laboratory instruments to ensure samples meet production standards.
- Assist with the operation and routine maintenance of equipment used for DNA extraction and next-generation sequencing workflows.
- Maintain accurate production records laboratory documentation and sample tracking.
- Maintain a clean organized and safe laboratory environment while following all safety and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Support troubleshooting of routine laboratory equipment and escalate issues when appropriate.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet production goals and turnaround times.
Within your first 60120 days you can expect to:
- Independently perform DNA extraction workflows while consistently meeting quality and throughput expectations.
- Demonstrate proficiency operating automated liquid handling equipment with minimal supervision.
- Contribute to maintaining production schedules by processing samples accurately and efficiently.
- Become a reliable team member who follows SOPs maintains documentation and supports continuous improvement initiatives.
Are you our soil-mate Youll bloom in this role if you have experience in:(Your qualifications)
- Bachelors degree in Molecular Biology Microbiology or a related scientific field.
- 1-2 years of lab experience using various equipment and instrumentation such as pipettes centrifuges and automated liquid handling systems.
- Strong attention to detail organizational skills and the ability to follow written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Strong written documentation and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to stand for extended periods lift up to 25 pounds and perform repetitive hand movements.
- Availability to work onsite in Emeryville CA.
**We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However we are not able to sponsor or transfer visas at this time.
Although not required wed love to see roots in:
- Prior experience in a fast-paced start-up environment.
- Previous experience with high-throughput DNA extraction workflows.
- Experience operating automated liquid handling platforms.
- Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Experience improving SOPs quality control frameworks or laboratory workflows.
- Experience in AgTech environmental testing commercial laboratories or startup environments.
Aside from the green we can offer you:
- Medical Dental & Vision Insurance - 90% funded by EarthOptics for benefit-eligible employees and 55% for dependents
- Company-paid LTD STD and Life Insurance
- Meaningful equity option grants
- 401k Plan Employer Match up to 4%
- Accrued paid time off with increased accrual rate each year of service
- Parental Leave
- Professional Development Stipend access to learning platforms
- Candidate Referral Program
- Above and Beyond Bonus Program
- Regular opportunities to give feedback on our benefits offerings
How we stay grounded:
Although we have teammates working in the field in-office and at home we aim to create a cohesive diverse and enriching environment for all of our employees. We embrace different tools to enhance our workflows and communicate intentionally both live and asynchronously. A few quick facts you should know:
- We rely on Slack to communicate. Although there are a variety of team-specific systems to facilitate your work this is our primary!
- We love both food and emojis at EarthOptics. If hired youll come to love (and use many) taco and donut emojis.
- Instead of values we believe in actionable cultural concepts. Collectively we hold one another to act and give feedback with these concepts in mind. Ours are autonomy accountability collaboration customer centricity grit and grace.
Inclusion and Diversity at EarthOptics:
At EarthOptics we embrace diversity and equality and stand against any form of discrimination or harassment. We base all hiring and promotion decisions on business needs job requirements and individual qualifications regardless of race color religion gender gender identity national origin age marital status parental status veteran status or disability.
We are deeply committed to welcoming and including every qualified individual. As a part of this commitment we ensure that persons with disabilities have access to reasonable accommodations. If you require assistance during the job application or interview process need support to perform essential job functions or seek other benefits and privileges of employment please reach out to us at .
Required Experience:
Junior IC