About the role
About the Company
Sapho Bio is the developer of a rapid microbiology release platform for precision medicine. We are a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers committed to transforming pharmaceutical release testing through innovation, speed, and accuracy. We are a team built on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement, scaling rapidly following product validation and commercial traction. Our culture emphasizes agency, innovation, intellectual curiosity, and continual learning.
About the Role
We are seeking a meticulous and dependable Lab Technician to support pharmaceutical batch release testing, cleanroom maintenance, and USP-compliant assays. You will work directly with our founding scientists and laboratory team in a BSL-2 environment, performing sterility testing via qPCR, endotoxin assays, and other critical quality control procedures.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working independently in a cleanroom setting, and passionate about maintaining the highest standards of laboratory compliance.
Qualifications
Required
Minimum 1 year of experience supporting laboratory operations or quality control testing
BS in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, or a related STEM field (or equivalent relevant lab experience)
Exceptional attention to detail
with strong organizational and follow-through skills
Excellent written communication skills
- : a strong reader and writer (primary communication is written)
- Proficiency in pipetting and standard wet lab techniques
- Strong reading comprehension for SOPs, scientific literature, and USP chapters
- Strong ability to leverage technology and tools to improve efficiency and workflows
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities, including multiple lots with competing deadlines
Ambitious, proactive, and solution-oriented
with a mindset toward continuous improvement
Must reside in San Carlos (surrounding areas) within a 30-minute commute
Preferred
Experience in ISO-classified cleanroom environments
Familiarity with qPCR assays, nucleic acid extraction, and aseptic technique/gowning procedures
Knowledge of USP chapters 71, 797, 85, and 1223
Experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory
Core Responsibilities
Batch Release Testing
Check pharmaceutical lots and verify chain of custody documentation
Assay Support
Support endotoxin (LAL), potency, and Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing per USP guidelines
Documentation
Document methods and results per cGMP and GLP standards with meticulous accuracy
Scientific Literature
Read and summarize scientific papers and USP chapters relevant to laboratory operations
Travel & Logistics
Must be able to commute to the San Carlos, CA office on a consistent weekly schedule Monday-Friday.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive Salary
$75,000-$79,000 (commensurate with experience and market benchmarks)
Paid Time Off
Unlimited PTO, plus company-recognized holidays
Health Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
DoorDash Credit
$25 credit for lunch and dinner while working in the office
401(k)
Plan with company matching, subject to plan terms
Company-paid life insurance
Stock option package
Ideal Candidate Profile
You are someone who
- Takes full ownership of outcomes , not just tasks
- Is highly proactive and treats every sample as if patient safety depends on it
- Thrives in structured, compliance-driven environments with zero tolerance for shortcuts
- Has meticulous attention to detail and catches errors others might miss
- Can be trusted to work independently and uphold the highest standards
Application Requirements
Your cover letter (one page) should include clear examples of:
- A time you demonstrated exceptional work ethic
- A time you identified a critical error through attention to detail
- A time you followed a complex protocol or SOP without cutting corners
Life at Sapho Bio
High-Impact Work
Help transform pharmaceutical testing and accelerate patient access to life-saving therapies.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Financial Security
401(k) with company matching and company-paid life insurance.
Time to Recharge
Unlimited PTO and company-recognized holidays.
Connection & Community
Team lunches, office events, and offsite gatherings.
Competitive Compensation
Market-leading salary and meaningful equity participation.
Fast-Paced Environment
Join a team that moves quickly, learns continuously, and executes with purpose.
World-Class Team
Work alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and operators.
Prime Location
Sunny, collaborative workspace in San Carlos.
Sapho Bio is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment is
at-will
, in accordance with California law.