Process Development & Lab Operations Supervisor

Function:
Part time/fractional Lab Supervisor

Duties:
Supervise day-to-day activities in R&D environment

Compensation: $35-55/hour based on experience

Prerequisite: 3-5 years similar or related experience in lab environments

About SCO2, Inc.

SCO2 has developed and patented Nextract Technology, a supercritical CO2 extraction technology that unlocks trapped value in food processing waste - transforming it into high-margin ingredients at industrial scale. Our small-scale process development lab is where that technology gets proven, run by run. This role keeps that lab moving.

You will run the daily operation of our small-scale CO2 process development lab: machine testing, operator activity, technician workflow, sample handling, lab inventories, shipping and receiving, documentation, and communication with company leadership.

• Supervise daily operation of SCO2's small-scale CO2 processing systems - machine setup, material preparation, chamber loading, test execution, collection, shutdown, cleaning, and
• Translate test plans into clear instructions for the operator and technician, and confirm test readiness before every run: materials, machine condition, sample plan, labels, collection containers, run sheets, and safety checks.
• Supervise one machine operator (expanding to two as lab activity grows) and guide the lab technician on sampling, weighing, mass balances, and outside lab submissions.
• Ensure samples are properly collected, labeled, stored, documented, and prepared for outside laboratory testing.
• Manage lab inventories and shipping/receiving for inbound materials, outbound samples, retains, consumables, and required documentation.
• Review mass balances, sample logs, run sheets, and data tables; help assemble run reports, data summaries, observations, and recommendations.
• Enforce safe operation of CO2 processing equipment - pressure-rated components, stored-energy hazards, ventilation, CO2 monitoring, relief systems, lockout/tagout, and emergency procedures.
• Coordinate routine maintenance, cleaning, consumable replacement, filter changes, inspections, and troubleshooting; maintain and improve SOPs, run checklists, and calibration and deviation logs.
• Give leadership practical feedback on lab operations, staffing, equipment needs, test planning, and process improvement opportunities.

• 3+ years in laboratory operations, technical operations, manufacturing supervision, food or chemical processing, high-pressure systems, or a related technical environment.
• Experience supervising or directing operators, technicians, or lab staff.
• Comfort around industrial equipment: pumps, valves, pressure systems, sensors, piping, and mechanical systems.
• Strong attention to detail in documentation, sampling, weighing, labeling, and data review.
• Ability to follow SOPs, test plans, run sheets, safety procedures, and maintenance instructions - and to organize work across multiple tests, materials, and priorities.
• Clear communication: updates, findings, and recommendations leadership can act on.
• Willingness to work hands-on in a lab and floor environment, including setup, troubleshooting, cleanup, and equipment inspection.

• Direct experience with supercritical or liquid CO2, high-pressure gas systems, compressed gases, pressure vessels, pumps, or related equipment.
• Background in food ingredients, natural products, oils, proteins, flavors, fragrances, nutraceuticals, or similar process development applications.
• Experience writing SOPs, work instructions, checklists, run sheets, or technical documentation.
• Experience supporting design of experiments, process optimization, mass balances, yield calculations, sample plans, or technical reporting.
• Familiarity with pressure safety procedures, CO2 monitoring, ventilation requirements, lockout/tagout, and stored-energy hazards.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, food science, biology, or manufacturing - strong experience can substitute.
• Fluency with Excel, data tables, and organized electronic records - plus practical use of AI tools for documentation, data summaries, and reporting, with the judgment to validate their output.

This role is currently a part-time/fractional contract position with the potential for it to become a full-time opportunity.

Onsite presence at our Little Canada, MN lab is required during active CO2 processing runs, machine setup, shutdown,…