Laboratory Technician - contract to hire

Job description

ABOUT PERIODIC LABS We’re an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what’s scientifically possible. ABOUT THE ROLE Periodic Labs is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Lab Technician to support the daily operations of our high-throughput materials experimentation facility. You’ll work directly alongside our scientists and engineers to keep the lab running at the pace our science demands — performing calibrations, executing QC protocols, supporting method development, and helping build the SOPs and systems that make rigorous, reproducible research possible. This role is for someone with a science or engineering background who enjoys working with instruments, takes pride in precision and consistency, and is always looking for ways to make workflows faster and more reliable. You’re equally comfortable performing careful manual tasks and thinking critically about how to automate or optimize them over time. WHAT YOU’LL DO - Perform regular calibration and verification of instruments and sensors, maintaining accurate records and flagging drift or anomalies - Execute and continuously refine QC workflows to ensure data integrity across experimental runs - Perform and optimize manual material handling and preparation steps — including weighing, labeling, packaging, and batch preparation — with an eye toward efficiency and automation - Assist with inventory tracking, chemical management, and lab organization; keep shared spaces clean, stocked, and functional - Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop, document, and iterate on SOPs for routine lab procedures - Identify inefficiencies in manual workflows and proactively propose or implement improvements - Support the onboarding and training of new technicians on lab best practices, equipment operation, and safety protocols - Assist with the development of QC and metrology protocols for new processes and instruments as our capabilities expand - Participate in test runs and validation of new labware, equipment, or experimental methods - Troubleshoot equipment and process anomalies; escalate appropriately and document findings clearly YOU WILL THRIVE IN THIS ROLE IF YOU HAVE - A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, mechanical or chemical engineering, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience in a technical lab setting - A demonstrated ability to follow detailed SOPs with precision and maintain high standards of consistency and cleanliness - Comfort performing physical, repetitive tasks carefully — and the motivation to make them more efficient over time - Technical curiosity and eagerness to learn how to operate, maintain, and improve complex equipment - A no-task-too-small attitude: moving materials, cleaning tools, and prepping batches are part of the daily rhythm and you do them with care - Strong written and verbal communication — you document clearly, flag problems early, and collaborate well across technical and non-technical teammates - Comfort with basic software tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, or lab inventory systems ESPECIALLY STRONG CANDIDATES MAY ALSO HAVE - Experience in a robotics-integrated lab, pilot plant, or high-throughput R&D environment - Familiarity with LIMS, LES, MES, SCADA, or other lab data and process control systems - Prior work in cleanroom, semiconductor, battery, or analytical chemistry settings - Experience with powered machinery and tools such as pallet jacks, impact wrenches, or similar equipment - Background in one or more characterization techniques — XRD, SEM/EDS, TGA/DSC, BET, or metrology tools MECHANICS - Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and training or experience - Location: Our lab is located in Menlo Park - Compensation: The annual compensation range for this role - $100,000-$130,000 We’re building a team of the world’s best — the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don’t just follow the frontier, they define it. If you’re driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.