Research Technician

About VitaKey

VitaKey Inc. is a dynamic startup pioneering proprietary technology for precise, extended, and sustainable delivery of essential nutrients, probiotics, biologics, and small molecules incorporated into daily foods and drinks to enhance human health. Located at the Durham, NC headquarters, the company focuses on innovation at the convergence of wet lab research and machine learning.

Role Summary

The Research Technician will support laboratory upkeep and maintain mammalian and microbial cell cultures. This position entails routine cell culture maintenance, preparation of screening solutions, lab organization, and detailed data recording. It presents an opportunity to cultivate technical competencies in both laboratory sciences and machine learning applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Simultaneously manage multiple mammalian and microbial cultured cell lines including thawing, passaging, plating, freezing, and aliquoting on designated schedules.
• Conduct routine quality control assays on mammalian and microbiological cultures.
• Organize, monitor, and replenish reagent and consumable inventories for various projects.
• Prepare stock solutions and buffers essential for experimental research activities.
• Operate and maintain Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), including accurate data annotation as needed.
• Formulate and prepare screening compounds such as nutrients, food ingredients, and other substances.
• Support formulation development efforts and assist other teams with ad hoc duties when required.
• Collaborate with internal scientists and external laboratories to exchange ideas and report findings.

Candidate Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, food science, or related fields, with 0 to 1 year of professional experience.
• Prior hands-on coursework experience in mammalian and microbial cell culture is highly preferred.
• Applicants with limited hands-on research beyond coursework are encouraged to apply.
• Familiarity with maintaining lab notebooks and electronic record-keeping is advantageous.
• Must demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to thorough documentation.
• Highly motivated with an eagerness to develop and refine practical laboratory skills.
• Self-driven and entrepreneurial mindset aligned with fast-paced startup environments.
• Availability to work full-time onsite at the company's Durham, NC location.
• Ability to quickly adapt to shifting scientific priorities and emerging technologies.