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

• Minimum 1 year of experience supporting 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 detail with 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 leverage technology and tools to improve efficiency and workflows
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities, including multiple lots with competing deadlines
• Ambitious, proactive, and solution-oriented with a mindset toward continuous improvement
• Must reside 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
• Assay Support: Support endotoxin (LAL), potency, and Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing per USP guidelines
• 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 on a consistent weekly schedule Monday-Friday.

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:

• Takes full 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: Help transform pharmaceutical testing and accelerate patient access to life-saving therapies.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Financial Security: 401(k) with company matching and company-paid life insurance.
• Time to Recharge: Unlimited PTO and company-recognized holidays.
• Connection & Community: Team lunches, office events, and offsite gatherings.
• Competitive Compensation: Market-leading salary and meaningful equity participation.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Join a team that moves quickly, learns continuously, and executes with purpose.
• World-Class Team: Work alongside experienced scientists, engineers, 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.