Media Preparation and Laboratory Technician

Colorifix is a pioneering biotechnology company that is revolutionizing the textile industry. Through the use of synthetic biology, fermentation, and biological processes, we produce and fix sustainable pigments directly onto fabrics, drastically reducing the use of harmful chemicals, water, and energy compared to traditional dyeing methods.

We are looking for a proactive, highly organized, and detail-oriented Media Preparation and Laboratory Technician to support our daily laboratory operations. In this role, you will be the point of contact in the laboratory workflow, ensuring that scientists, fermentation engineers, and R&D teams have clean glassware, prepared culture media, consumables, and sterile materials. Additionally, you will provide support in essential microbiology tasks (e.g., culture media preparation, vial preparation and inoculation, etc.).

1. Media and Reagent Preparation

• Prepare culture media (solid and liquid), solutions, buffers, and reagents according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for microbiology and fermentation assays.

• Sterilize culture media, equipment, and laboratory consumables using autoclaves.

1. Microbiology Task Support

• Prepare, aliquot, label, and safely store microbiological strain vials / stocks (e.g., glycerol stocks / inoculation vials) under aseptic conditions.

• Support basic subculturing and maintenance of microbiological cultures under the supervision of the R&D/Fermentation teams.

• Ensure correct traceability and recording of vials produced and stored in ultra-low temperature freezers (-80 °C).

1. Laboratory Maintenance and Organization

• Collect, wash, sterilize, and replenish laboratory glassware, fermenter components, and consumables in all areas of the laboratory.

• Safely operate and maintain Media Kitchen equipment, including autoclaves, glassware washers, and ultrapure water systems.

• Keep laboratory workspaces clean, organized, and safe, ensuring compliance with hygiene and biosafety standards.

1. Stock Management and Control

• Monitor, control, and manage stock levels of chemical reagents, culture media, raw materials, and general laboratory consumables.

• Receive, record, store, and distribute incoming orders in their respective storage locations (e.g., room temperature, cold chamber, -80 °C freezers).

• Report low stock levels and communicate purchasing needs.

1. Operational Support and Compliance

• Assist in the routine calibration, maintenance, and cleaning of basic laboratory equipment (e.g., pH meters, balances, autoclaves, laminar flow hoods, incubators, etc.).

• Manage the disposal of laboratory waste (chemical, biological, and recyclable) strictly following safety protocols.

• Educational Background

  • Technical professional course (e.g., Laboratory Technician, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Textiles, etc.) or a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related fields.

• Experience

  • Previous experience in a chemistry, textile, or media kitchen laboratory environment will be valued.

  • Hands-on experience in aseptic techniques (working in a laminar flow hood / biosafety cabinet) will be valued.

• Technical Skills

  • Practical knowledge in culture media preparation and handling of microorganisms (vials, Petri dishes, etc.) will be valued.

  • Experience using autoclaves, laboratory glassware washers, and basic analytical equipment (pH meters, balances) will be valued.

  • Ability to strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and biosafety standards.

• Personal Skills

  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and precision in task execution.

  • Hands-on profile, proactive attitude, and strong teamwork skills.

  • Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure. You must be able to maintain quality and safety standards, even when operational demands pressure for the fulfillment of monthly goals.

  • Languages: Fluent in Portuguese and with good knowledge of technical English.