Bioremediation Laboratory Technician

The Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation (CAER) is a nonprofit organization advancing science-based, community-engaged approaches to soil remediation and ecosystem restoration.

Our work integrates fungal biotechnology, soil science, and environmental justice to address contamination in urban, post-industrial, and post-disaster landscapes.

CAER is seeking a part-time Lab Technician to support ongoing research and applied projects in fungal cultivation and soil analysis. This contractor position will work closely with the Lab

Manager and Scientific Director to assist with routine laboratory tasks, experimental preparation, and maintenance of a clean and functional lab environment. This is a hands-on role well suited for someone with experience in fungal cultivation, microbiology, or related laboratory work who is excited to contribute to applied environmental research.

Location: In-person at CAER labs / Downtown Los Angeles

Hours: 14 hours per week

Compensation: $25/hour

Position Type: Independent Contractor

Working Conditions

● In-person laboratory work required

● Tasks may involve standing for extended periods, lifting light to moderate materials, and working with biological materials under standard lab safety protocols

Fungal Cultivation & Research Support

● Prepare fungal growth media and substrates

● Assist with spawn preparation and fungal culture maintenance

● Support sterile work (e.g., transfers, inoculations) following established protocols

Soil & Environmental Analysis

● Assist with soil sample processing and preparation

● Conduct basic soil analyses (e.g., pH, texture, moisture, organic matter, or other assays as trained)

● Support data recording and organization related to lab and field samples

Experimental Support

● Assist the Lab Manager and Scientific Director with the setup, execution, and breakdown of laboratory experiments

● Prepare materials and experimental treatments according to established protocols

● Support data collection, labeling, and accurate record-keeping for experiments

● Monitor experiments and report observations, deviations, or issues to supervising staff

● Assist with basic quality control measures to ensure consistency and reliability of experimental work

General Laboratory Operations

● Prepare reagents and solutions

● Clean, organize, and maintain lab spaces and equipment

● Assist with inventory management and restocking of lab supplies

● Follow laboratory safety and contamination-prevention protocols

● Experience with fungal cultivation, microbiology, mycology, soil science, or a related field

● Familiarity with sterile technique and basic laboratory best practices

● Prior lab experience (academic, research, or applied setting) strongly preferred

● Careful attention to detail and ability to follow protocols

● Comfort with hands-on, routine lab work

● Interest in environmental remediation, fungi, and applied ecological science

Additional Assets (Not Required)

● Experience working with environmental or soil samples

● Coursework or degree in biology, microbiology, environmental science, or related disciplines

● Experience working in small, collaborative research teams