Microbiome Laboratory Technician

Microbiome Laboratory Technician

Location: Oakland, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-site

Reports to: Production Laboratory Manager

Animal Biome seeks a full-time Microbiome Laboratory Technician to join our growing team in Oakland, California.

Interested candidates should email a resume and one-page cover letter to ***email_hidden***. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About Animal Biome

Founded in 2016, Animal Biome is a pioneering pet health company focused on restoring the gut microbiome of cats and dogs. We develop science-backed microbiome restoration therapies and supplements to improve digestive health, immune function, skin conditions, and overall wellness in companion animals.

Animal Biome combines cutting-edge microbiome science with practical clinical applications, including microbiome sequencing, dietary interventions, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We have helped improve the lives of thousands of pets suffering from chronic gastrointestinal and other health conditions.

Our team is collaborative, mission-driven, and passionate about advancing the emerging field of companion animal microbiome health.

About the Position

The Microbiome Laboratory Technician position is based in Oakland, California. Our office is approximately a 20-minute walk from both the MacArthur and 19th Street BART stations.

This is a full-time, on-site position (40 hours/week). Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes benefits.

This role supports Animal Biome’s microbiome restoration and stool banking operations through the preparation, processing, and quality control of biological materials used in clinical and commercial applications. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, organized, comfortable performing repetitive laboratory procedures with consistency, and motivated by the opportunity to improve animal health through microbiome science.

The Laboratory Technician must be comfortable handling animal fecal material (primarily from cats and dogs, but occasionally from other species including rabbits, ferrets, horses, and rodents) in a laboratory setting. We maintain strict biosafety and sanitation procedures and provide appropriate personal protective equipment and training.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Contribute to the operation of Animal Biome’s companion animal stool bank
• Receive, process, catalog, and prepare biological samples for microbiome restoration applications
• Prepare microbiome restoration materials for veterinary clinic and at-home use
• Perform routine laboratory procedures according to established protocols and quality standards
• Operate and maintain laboratory and production equipment, including freeze dryers and capsule preparation equipment
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, batch documentation, inventories, and equipment logs
• Follow QA/QC procedures and contamination prevention protocols
• Label, package, and organize laboratory materials and finished products accurately and consistently
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering laboratory supplies and materials
• Maintain clean, organized laboratory workspaces and equipment
• Assist with shipping and receiving of clinical and laboratory materials
• Support ongoing improvements to laboratory organization and workflow efficiency
• Collaborate closely with laboratory, operations, and animal care teams

Working Conditions

• Work is performed on-site in a production lab environment
• Regular use of PPE is required, including gloves, masks, protective clothing, and safety glasses
• The environment may include strong or distinctive odors associated with biological materials and natural ingredients
• This role involves working with pet fecal material and other production ingredients
• Position requires prolonged standing, up to 8 hours per shift
• May require lifting and carrying materials up to 50 pounds
• May occasionally require flexible hours based on production needs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Previous experience working in a laboratory, veterinary, clinical, or biological production environment
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow written protocols carefully and consistently
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain a high degree of cleanliness and organization
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment
• Comfort working with biological materials and wearing appropriate PPE
• Ability to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, veterinary medicine, or biological sample processing
• Familiarity with QA/QC procedures and laboratory documentation practices
• Experience operating laboratory equipment and performing routine maintenance
• Familiarity with Google Workspace
• Current or recent experience with companion animals, including personal pet ownership
• Experience in startup or fast-paced laboratory environments

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience: $55-70k
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Commuter benefits
• Weekly team lunches

Why Join Animal Biome?

Animal Biome is at the forefront of companion animal microbiome science. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative team doing meaningful work that directly improves the lives of cats and dogs.

We value curiosity, scientific rigor, compassion for animals, and a willingness to contribute to a growing and evolving company. Team members have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an emerging area of veterinary biotechnology while helping shape the future of microbiome restoration therapies.

We are a small, mission-driven team that enjoys working closely together, including weekly team lunches, company celebrations, and an inclusive, collaborative workplace culture.

Animal Biome is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.