Research Lab Technician

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Hourly, Full-Time Springdale, AR, US

2 days ago Requisition

$22.00 To $24.00 Hourly

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our founders, food industry veterans Mike and Tisha, knew that food wasn't what it used to be. They wanted to make it better—by creating a new kind of farm. A farm that can grow up to 300 times more food than an open-field farm on a smaller footprint, without use of herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals that you don’t want in your food.

A farm powered with 100% renewable energy, growing with 95% less water and delivering food within 48 hours, for longer freshness for our customers and less food waste.

80 Acres Farms is a vertical farming leader, operating commercial farms in Ohio, Kentucky, and soon Georgia in addition to research and development farms in Arkansas and The Hague, Netherlands. All farms utilize state-of-the-art technology and analytics developed by the company's subsidiary, Infinite Acres.

80 Acres Farms-branded salads, microgreens, herbs, and tomatoes are available at retailers and food service distributors from Michigan to Florida, including Kroger, Whole Foods, The Fresh Market, Dorothy Lane Markets, Sysco, and US Foods. 80 Acres Farms is supported by world-class investors and partners, including General Atlantic, Siemens, Barclays, Ocado, and Signify Philips.

If you're interested in making a difference, join our team and help us change how the world eats.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Research Lab Technician is responsible for the daily operation, organization, and cleanliness of the research laboratory, with a primary focus on running assays, protocols, and sample processing to support crop research programs. This role serves as the central point of accountability for sample management, ensuring proper chain of custody from collection through analysis and storage. The Lab Technician collaborates closely with Crop Specialists and Research Technicians to execute trials and contributes to continuous improvement of laboratory protocols through SOP development and process feedback.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment
• Clean, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment (distillation apparatus, scales, pH meters, etc.)
• Manage laboratory supply inventory; communicate restocking needs
• Properly store chemicals, reagents, and samples per safety protocols
• Dispose of laboratory waste appropriately

Assays & Protocols

• Execute distillation protocols for essential oil extraction from fresh, wilted, and dried plant materials (primary focus; expected frequency 2-4 sessions per week once backlog is cleared)
• Prepare samples for analysis, ensuring proper labeling and documentation
• Prepare culture media and maintain sterile technique for pathogen plating and sample work (ramping up to weekly routine within the first quarter)
• Plate samples and perform colony counts on developed plates
• Record all data accurately; enter results into designated systems or data sheets
• Flag anomalies or unexpected results to the supervising Crop Specialist

Sample Management

• Receive, log, and track all samples entering the laboratory
• Maintain chain of custody documentation for all samples
• Coordinate with Research Technicians and Crop Specialists on sample collection schedules and requirements
• Ensure samples are properly stored and organized; manage sample retention and disposal schedules

SOP Development & Process Improvement

• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory protocols
• Clearly communicate SOPs to relevant team members
• Provide feedback on existing protocols; suggest and implement improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, or repeatability
• Participate in troubleshooting when protocols do not produce expected results
• Work with Crop Specialists to understand trial objectives and sampling requirements
• Communicate results, observations, and concerns to the research team in a timely manner
• Support Research Technicians with sample collection (harvesting, etc.) when needed
• When laboratory workload permits, assist the broader team with general research operations including plant care, irrigation, data entry, and other duties typically performed by Research Technicians 1 and 2

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to follow detailed written protocols with precision
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Good communication skills (written and verbal)

Preferred

• Associate's degree or coursework in biology, chemistry, plant science, or related field
• Experience in a laboratory or research setting
• Familiarity with sterile/aseptic technique
• Experience with distillation, extraction, or similar processes
• Knowledge of basic glassware (Pipettes, beakers, flasks)
• Understanding of sample management and…