Lab Technician, Polymer Chemistry

<h2><strong>About the Role</strong></h2> <p>Captura is seeking an experienced and hands-on Lab Technician to join our growing startup at a pivotal early stage in our ion exchange polymer and membrane development. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the development and scale-up of next-generation ion exchange membranes through hands-on laboratory work. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of practical laboratory experience in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, materials development, or a related field, with strong laboratory skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safe and organized laboratory practices. The Lab Technician will play an important role in executing day-to-day experimental work, supporting polymer synthesis, operating and maintaining analytical instruments, and ensuring that the laboratory remains safe, clean, organized, and efficient.</p> <h2><strong>Responsibilities</strong><strong><em><br></em></strong></h2> <ul> <li>Perform organic synthesis and polymerization experiments following established procedures and experimental instructions provided by research chemists - up to 5-liter size reactors and 5-gallon size processing containers.</li> <li>Carry out routine laboratory operations under supervision of research chemists - reagent preparation, weighing and transferring chemicals, solution preparation, reaction setup, workup, precipitation, filtration, washing, and solvent removal.</li> <li>Monitor reaction parameters such as temperature, viscosity, and conversion to ensure optimal conditions for polymerizations.</li> <li>Maintain accurate and timely laboratory notebooks, sample records, and analytical data.</li> <li>Assist with operation and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and characterization equipment - NMR, GPC, viscometer, etc.</li> <li>Organize laboratory chemicals, solvents, consumables, glassware, and other supplies.</li> <li>Maintain high standards of laboratory hygiene, cleanliness, and organization, including proper cleaning and organization of glassware, equipment, benches, fume hoods, and shared laboratory areas.</li> <li>Follow established SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and EHS procedures for safe handling of chemicals, solvents, equipment, and laboratory waste</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Qualifications</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field, or equivalent relevant laboratory training and experience.</li> <li>Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in chemical, polymer, materials, or similar laboratory environment.</li> <li>Experience with organic synthesis, polymerization, or related chemical laboratory work.</li> <li>Experienced and comfortable with the safe handling of laboratory chemicals and organic solvents, including THF, DMF, DMSO, DCM, chloroform, methanol, and similar solvents.</li> <li>Strong attention to detail and ability to consistently follow written experimental procedures and SOPs.</li> <li>Good laboratory documentation, organization, and housekeeping practices.</li> <li>Ability to safely lift, carry, or move laboratory supplies and solvent/chemical containers, typically up to 50 lb, with appropriate handling equipment and safety procedures when required.</li> <li>Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with R&amp;D and closely support.</li> <li>Willingness to put in additional time during peak periods, such as key deadlines or launches.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Featured Benefits</strong></h2> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal"><em><strong>Compensation</strong></em></p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal">The approximate salary range for this role is $75,000–$95,000. Actual compensation depends on factors unique to each candidate, including geographic location, education, experience, qualifications, and job-related skills. It is not typical for someone to be hired above the midpoint of the range. This range reflects base salary only — total compensation includes the benefits and rewards outlined below, and will be considered as a whole when we present an offer.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal"><em><strong>Benefits &amp; Total Rewards</strong></em></p> <ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Health coverage:</strong> Medical, dental and vision fully covered for employees, with partial coverage for dependents</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Equity: </strong>Stock option grant, with amount determined based on role and experience</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Retirement:</strong> 401(k) with match</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Time off:</strong> 3 weeks PTO plus company holidays and a paid winter break between Christmas and New Year's</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"><strong>Growth:</strong> Ground-floor opportunity to build and scale the manufacturing and supply chain function as Captura grows</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>