R&D Catalysis Laboratory Technician (Heterogeneous Catalysis)

Job Summary: The R&D Catalysis Laboratory Technician will support heterogeneous catalysis research and reactor campaigns focused on the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and related renewable fuel pathways. This role works closely with the R&D Heterogeneous Catalysis Scientist/Engineer and other laboratory staff to execute experimental reactor campaigns, collect and analyze samples, maintain accurate experimental data, and ensure smooth day-to-day laboratory operations.

The Laboratory Technician will play a critical hands-on role in operating bench- and pilot-scale catalytic reactor systems under supervision, supporting analytical workflows, maintaining laboratory readiness, and ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and documentation requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Catalysis Reactor & Experimental Support: Support heterogeneous catalysis reactor campaigns, including reactor setup, preparation, operation, monitoring, and shutdown under the direction of the R&D Catalysis Scientist. Assist with catalyst loading/unloading, feed preparation, system leak checks, and pre-run safety checks. Collect liquid, gas, and solid samples during reactor runs according to established sampling plans and SOPs. Accurately label, store, and track samples for internal analysis or shipment to external laboratories. Perform routine troubleshooting and basic maintenance of lab-scale and pilot-scale catalytic reactor systems and related measurement instrumentation such as gas refinery gas analyzer (RGA) GC.

Analytical & Laboratory Testing Support: Support laboratory analysis of reactor samples using established analytical methods (e.g., GC-MS, titrations, Karl Fischer, and other wet chemistry techniques). Conduct and assist in the production of catalysts required for catalytic testing as needed. Prepare reagents, solvents, standards, and calibration materials to support analytical and reactor operations. Assist with routine calibration, verification, and maintenance of analytical instruments. Review analytical data for completeness and accuracy; flag anomalies or data quality concerns to senior staff.

Data Collection, Documentation & Quality: Accurately document experimental conditions, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks, electronic systems, and approved data collection templates. Assist with data entry, validation, and correction in laboratory databases and LIMS systems. Maintain organized and traceable experimental records to support R&D decision-making, scale-up, and intellectual property development. Support preparation of internal reports, summaries, and data packages for reactor campaigns and experiments.

Laboratory Operations & Inventory: Maintain appropriate inventory levels of laboratory consumables, chemicals, gases, catalysts, and PPE. Perform routine inventory checks, place orders with approved vendors, and track material receipt. Maintain chemical inventory lists and ensure proper labeling, storage, and segregation of materials. Ensure laboratory workspaces, fume hoods, reactor areas, and shared equipment remain clean, organized, and audit-ready.

Equipment, Maintenance & Logistics: Assist with scheduling preventative maintenance (PM), calibrations, and service visits for laboratory and reactor equipment. Maintain instrument logbooks, reagent logs, and approved laboratory forms. Coordinate shipment of samples to external laboratories or partners, including preparation of shipping documentation. Obtain and maintain DOT HazMat certification for shipping small quantities of hazardous materials, as required.

Safety, Compliance & Collaboration: Follow all laboratory safety policies, SOPs, and EHS requirements. Use appropriate PPE and promote a strong safety culture within the laboratory. Support compliance with internal quality systems, regulatory requirements, and best laboratory practices. Collaborate effectively with R&D scientists, engineers, lab technicians, quality, and EHS personnel. Provide cross-coverage and shared support with other lab technicians as needed.

Other Duties: Provide occasional weekend or holiday coverage to support critical reactor runs or laboratory needs. Perform additional laboratory support tasks as assigned to meet R&D and operational objectives. Using established SOPs for bioreactor vessels, participate in the development and optimization of fermentation processes to produce organic acids or other biochemicals. Support routine maintenance of the bioreactors. Conduct routine and non-routine chemical and physical analyses on raw materials, intermediate products, and finished products using a range of analytical techniques. Support the routine maintenance of analytical instrumentation. Perform analyses accurately and efficiently according to Good Laboratory Practices, while adhering to established procedures and protocols. Document and maintain records of analytical data, test results, and observations, ensuring accuracy and traceability. Maintain cleanliness, organization, and calibration of laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. Analyze and interpret test results, comparing them against established specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or another relevant science or engineering field. 0–3 years of laboratory experience in an R&D, chemical, or process development environment (industrial or academic). Prior experience with chemical reactors, catalysis, analytical chemistry, or pilot-scale systems is strongly preferred.

Required Skills and Competencies: Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection and documentation. Hands-on mechanical aptitude and comfort working with laboratory and pilot-scale equipment. Ability to follow SOPs, safety protocols, and experimental instructions precisely. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary R&D team. Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements: Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance. Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone.