Research Lab Technician II

Mozza Foods

Research Lab Technician II

Los Angeles, CA

About the Company:

Mozza is an early-stage biotech company working on genetically modifying plants to produce the primary proteins found in milk. Our goal is the complete removal of cows from the dairy food supply chain. We define success simply: a mozzarella cheese made with milk proteins from our plants that is indistinguishable from mozzarella made from cow’s milk, in stores within 48 months. Our research lab facility is located in downtown Los Angeles and we’re actively looking to expand our team.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced research technician to join our team. The right candidate must share our passion for environmental sustainability and be motivated by playing a key role in the disruption of a major pillar in the food industry. We are currently in the early phases of research and development so your work here will be instrumental in guiding the next generation of environmentally sustainable foods to market.

The role is demanding. We’re not just looking for someone with technical knowledge, but someone ready to roll-up their sleeves, work long days (50-60 hour work weeks are the norm not the exception, weekend work also necessary at times) to meet ambitious shared goals. Someone with high energy, high integrity and a strong commitment to do what it takes to get the work done. While much of our work is novel and exciting, much of it is also challenging and can be repetitive as we work to identify and troubleshoot new research directions.

The right candidate will be extremely proficient in biology and molecular biology lab techniques and procedures. You will be assisting in the design, research set-up and execution of experiments that require a high-level of attention and diligence. You will be required to calibrate and handle sensitive equipment, work in and manage sterile environments, and record/report out on experimental procedures and findings in meticulous detail. Our research techniques change in response to new findings, so the right candidate must be flexible and adept at learning new skills as our research evolves.

You must have at least 2 years of experience in an academic (non-medical, non-diagnostic) research laboratory setting working with mammalian, fungal, bacterial, or plant systems. Selected candidates will be expected to participate in a two-hour on-site lab skills review.

If you are passionate about changing how the world feeds itself, and if you want to be a direct contributor to positive change for the environment and billions of animals, then this job may be right for you.

Responsibilities:

• Execute molecular cloning workflows – including plasmid construction, transformation, miniprep, restriction digest analysis, and Sanger sequencing validation.
• Conduct plant and/or fungal transformations – utilizing Agrobacterium-mediated or biolistic methods for stable or transient expression of engineered constructs.
• Prepare and analyze protein extracts – including buffer optimization, sample normalization, and quantification from plant and/or fungal tissues.
• Perform SDS-PAGE and Western blotting – for detection and quantification of target proteins, using chemiluminescent or fluorescent detection systems.
• Carry out nucleic acid extraction and qPCR – for genotyping, transgene confirmation, or expression analysis across tissue types and timepoints.
• Maintain and propagate transgenic and wild-type plant lines – monitor growth conditions, track phenotypes, and ensure genetic integrity through routine screening.
• Collaborate on experimental design – assist other scientists in developing appropriate controls, replicates, and data collection strategies for hypothesis-driven work.
• Develop and document detailed protocols – ensure reproducibility and clear handoff across team members by writing and revising SOPs for core lab workflows.
• Support biochemical assays – to characterize recombinant proteins, including solubility, stability, and interactions with other macromolecules or lipids.
• Manage lab operations and data organization – including sample inventory, reagent preparation, and accurate digital recordkeeping of experimental results.

Requirements:

• Minimum of B.S. degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• 2+ years experience in a biology lab (an academic research lab) working with plant, fungal, bacterial, or mammalian cells or cell lines (non-medical, non-diagnostic).
• Strong basic math skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other members of the project.
• Ability to meet agreed upon deadlines, manage time effectively and work efficiently.
• Has a passion for learning and contributing to a game-changing project.
• Willing to work long hours and weekends.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Applicants must be able to commute daily and work from our laboratory located in Downtown, Los Angeles CA

Reports To: Senior Scientist

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $70,000 - 80,000/year plus equity

Benefits:

Health, dental, vision, long term disability, and paid time off