Lab Technician

Who we are

At Voyage Foods, our mission is to make delicious, sustainable and accessible foods that are better for people and the planet.

All of our products work together to support and sustain a food system designed for everyone, now and into the future. We're a team of food scientists, CPG experts, and professionals with a passion for making good food available for generations to come.

What do peanut butter, chocolate and coffee have in common? They're some of our favorite foods, but are inaccessible and unsustainable.

That's why we created our Nut-Free Spreads, Cocoa-Free Chocolate and Bean-Free Coffee. From food allergies to climate change and unjust labor practices, the foods we love are in serious need of an upgrade.

Our future-proofed foods are always top 9 allergen-free, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, affordable and most importantly, utterly delicious.

How we work

We’re a rapidly growing team of people who value diversity in all its forms. We love adding new perspectives and appreciate those who ask questions that help us challenge assumptions, explore new directions, and improve what we’ve already built.

We are a group of like-minded difference makers. Curiosity drives our development. We have tenacity and a risk-taking mentality at every level of our organization to keep challenging normalcy.

We believe it’s our responsibility to create an environment in which every person can bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We push each other to be our best and do our products proud.

About the role

We are looking for a Lab Technician to join our R&D team, reporting to the Senior Analytical Scientist. You will play a critical role in helping us ensure lab operations run safely and smoothly.

Your primary responsibilities will include working with food scientists, analytical scientists, and flavor chemists to assist with and perform experiments for various R&D projects.

This position requires basic laboratory skills especially chemical-handling and wet chemistry techniques. As we are a start-up and small team, responsibilities can vary daily and will also include general operations.

This is a great opportunity for an individual looking to develop in their career within a fast-paced and rapidly growing organization.

This is an on-site position based at our 1800 Campbell St. facility in Oakland, California.

What you’ll do

Conduct routine testing on food and beverage samples including but not limited to pH, titratable acidity, water activity, moisture content, texture analysis, viscosity, particle size analysis, UV spectroscopy, and titration assays such as peroxide value.

Sample preparation, calibration, and routine operation of liquid and gas chromatography instruments.

Perform gas chromatography olfactory analysis and participate in other sensory panels as needed.

Aroma and flavor chemical extractions and distillations.

Aroma and flavor chemical compounding, dilutions, and formulation. Create aroma models of target products and perform omission studies.

Interface with quality and production teams to perform product quality control testing.

Data analysis, data interpretation, and presentation of results.

Method development for different sample and product types.

Develop and write standard operating procedures for lab equipment and test methods.

Ensure the organization of lab equipment, chemicals, and supplies.

Perform basic lab equipment maintenance and calibration.

Assist purchasing of lab supplies and chemicals.

Perform other duties as assigned .

Requirements

What makes you successful / What makes a great candidate

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Experience working in a laboratory setting. Lab technician experience a plus.

Knowledge of solution preparation, chemical handling, and implementation of lab safety is a must.

Experience with performing assays, titrations, and other measurements is a plus.

Experience with analytical chemistry especially liquid or gas chromatography is a plus.

B.S. or B.A. degree, preferably in chemistry, and / or equivalent training or experience

Physical Demands

Tasting and comparing the tastes of a full range of foods and food products (including dairy, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, grains, nuts, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, spices, and other foods) for different characteristics, such as appearance, smell, taste, flavor, and quality of ingredients.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Benefits

Compensation

United States-based roles only : The Annual salary for this role is between $64,600-76,000 plus immediate participation in our benefits program (health, dental, 401k and many others), utilization of our generous paid time off and, where applicable, participation in our incentive programs.

All employees are owners of Voyage Foods and receive an equity grant as part of their total package. At Voyage Foods, we approach each individual's compensation with a promise of fair market value and internal equity commensurate with experience and specific skill set.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Plans

STD / LTD, Life and AD&D policies

FSA, HRA, and Mental Health Program Benefits

401K Program

Commuter Benefits

20 Paid Days Off + 9 Company Holidays

Paid Family Leave Program

Ongoing Team Events, including Weekly Friday Lunches

Voyage Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Voyage Foods is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

Voyage Foods will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check.