Quality Analytical Technician Jobs

About Blue Ocean Barns

Blue Ocean Barns, Inc. (BOB) is a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation on a mission to solve the climate impact of cattle by working with farmers and food companies to commercialize and rapidly scale the production and use of our proprietary, algae-based livestock feed ingredient. Originally launched in the heart of Silicon Valley, the company has since established operations on the Big Island of Hawai'i and San Diego. We are a well-resourced, professionally managed, and rapidly growing company looking for diverse and exceptionally talented people who are motivated to make a meaningful impact on climate change.

BOB has successfully transitioned the cultivation of Asparagopsis taxiformis (a red macroalgae) from the laboratory to a0.25 acre outdoor production facility located at the Company’s headquarters in Kailua-Kona, HI (NELHA). The Company is currently expanding outdoor cultivation to a 4 acre property in Kailua-Kona, HI (NELHA).

As a key member of Blue Ocean Barns’ team, the Quality Analytical Technician will play an important role in the daily care of our special algae, establishing standards and policies for the quality control of algae production. This role will contribute to the caring for the algae that might include monitoring, sorting, inspection, and selection. The Quality Analytical Technician will ensure that the algae consistently have a clean environment in order to achieve optimum growth and quality standards per Blue Ocean Barns protocols.

About The Role

• Demonstrate the capability to comprehend and extract relevant information from academic scientific papers in order to integrate this knowledge into daily microscopy and other ongoing projects
• Perform daily quality assessment, including but not limited to water quality, nutrient sampling, bromoform sampling, and other as-needed sampling to inform algae productivity, biosecurity of aquaculture systems, and bromoform concentrations of algae
• Perform duties accurately and according to protocols, providing optimal care to the algae independently and with minimal supervision, once trained
• Daily microscopy, documentation, and assessment reporting of algal cultures with respect to biosecurity and production targets.
• Help maintain the nutrient supplies for the entire farm, including ordering supplies, quality checks as they are built in, prepping nutrients for use, and all data entry involved
• Work with Ops R&D to design, test, and implement new NTS (None Target Species) quantification techniques for each phase of production.
• Work with Quality Analytical Coordinator to ensure data collection in a timely manner in order to capture system trends. Ensure that data collection results in usable, well-aligned, complementary data that can be analyzed effectively
• Attend required meetings, coming prepared with observations and recommendations
• Regularly input data into respective databases on Airtable.
• Commit to bringing one's best self to work daily including an eagerness to learn and contribute as a team member and as an individual
• Assist in environmental monitoring for new systems
• Creation of nutrient fertilizer for algal cultures.
• Perform other duties as needed or directed by direct manager/supervisor and/or the leadership team
• Create and maintain a clean environment, following all safety and biosecurity procedures
• Be willing to stay abreast of the latest advancements and emerging trends in relevant scientific fields. Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance expertise and proficiency
• Weekly autoclave indicator runs to ensure proper sterilization.
• Verifies proper operation and calibration of scales, thermometers and other devices on a regular schedule to ensure they are working and recording data properly
• Cross trained in multiple areas to help provide technician coverage in additional areas
• Respect and protect the confidentiality of the company’s proprietary information

Experience, Abilities, and Physical Requirements

• Ability to utilize a compound microscope for extended periods of time
• Ability to perform fine manipulations with hands and fingers
• Ability to stand for extended periods, primarily in an air conditioned indoor lab with concrete floors, occasionally on wet surfaces
• Ability to work with and around chemicals such as bleach and acid, following all safety guidelines including wearing a full-face respirator for limited periods of time
• Ability or willingness to learn to utilize laboratory equipment and work in a sterile environment
• Ability to use math skills in performing duties
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Degree in ecology, biology, or marine related field or 1+ years of experience in aquaculture, lab, or other scientific setting
• Ability to drive a golf cart and poses a current driver’s license
• Ability to learn and use various digital systems (e.g. Excel, Google Suite, remote sensor monitoring systems)

Employment Policy

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Full health, vision, and dental coverage, covering 100% of insurance premium for team members and 50% for dependents.

Opportunity to participate in a team member stock option plan, sharing in ownership of the company.