Senior Technologist, Surfactants

Divisions of Locus Fermentation Solutions

Title:

Senior Technologist

Company:

Status:

Exempt

Reports To:

Locus Fermentation Solutions is a USA-based company delivering bio-enhanced specialty chemicals at industrial scale. Through precision fermentation and integrated chemistry, we produce glycolipid biosurfactants designed to improve performance across oil and gas, mining, agriculture, and industrial applications. Our biomanufacturing platform connects strain selection, fermentation, and formulation design to create functional molecules that behave predictably in real-world systems—bridging the gap between biology and performance chemistry.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Technologist to join our laboratory team and support advanced research, product development, and technical operations. In this role, you will independently perform complex laboratory tests, troubleshoot and optimize advanced instruments, and maintain high standards of documentation, data integrity, and laboratory safety. You will support scientists by generating reliable, high‑quality data and by ensuring that laboratory equipment remains in excellent working condition.

The Senior Technologist also plays an important leadership role by mentoring junior staff, developing SOPs, and contributing to workflow improvements that strengthen laboratory performance. This position is ideal for technical professionals with substantial hands‑on laboratory experience who are ready to increase their leadership, independence, and technical influence.

The primary focus of this role will be the evaluation of surfactants for applications across energy, mining, and specialty ingredients.

The Woodlands, TX.

• Prepare surfactant samples, solutions, and formulations according to established test methods and protocols.
• Conduct physical and chemical testing of surfactants, including but not limited to:
  • Surface tension measurements
  • Interfacial tension testing
  • Foam generation and stability analysis
  • Wetting and spreading evaluations
  • Emulsion stability testing
  • Viscosity and rheology measurements
  • pH, density, and conductivity analysis
• Perform application-specific performance testing according to established test methods and protocols.
• Support formulation development by evaluating new surfactants, blends, and raw materials.
• Maintain chemical and sample inventory.

• Perform complex laboratory tests requiring advanced technical knowledge.
• Set up, operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Independently operate, troubleshoot, and optimize scientific instruments.
• Prepare advanced and multi‑step samples and materials required for testing.
• Identify opportunities to improve testing workflows and reliability.
• Create SOPs and contribute feedback for improvements when needed.

• Maintain accurate lab records- including lab notebooks, electronic files, and equipment logs- according to laboratory and organizational standards.
• Assist with the upkeep of calibration logs, maintenance records, and equipment usage documentation.
• Record test data, observations, and results clearly and promptly within project systems.
• Communicate results, trends, and irregularities to scientists and project teams in a timely manner.

• Follow chemical hygiene, PPE, and HSE requirements.
• Support audit readiness and good laboratory housekeeping.
• Ensure data traceability and support audit readiness.

• Provide informal leadership and technical support to junior team members.
• Assist in training new staff in equipment operation, documentation expectations, safety practices, and testing procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of lab workflows, safety practices, and operational standards.
• Support lab organization, supply planning, and equipment readiness.
• Support data integrity and internal knowledge transfer among lab staff.

• Significant impact on lab operations, testing quality, and instrument reliability
• High…