Lead Algae Isolation Specialist

About MyLand:

MyLand is a soil health company. By focusing on soil health, MyLand is helping to tackle two of the world’s biggest challenges: food security and climate disruption. MyLand’s innovative service allows farmers to easily and rapidly implement regenerative agriculture practices and improve their soil health by harnessing the land’s own natural ecosystem. MyLand partners with farmers to infuse life into their soil, helping to return farms to their most fertile state, achieving greater productivity and enhanced profitability.

We are seeking a leader to organize and oversee the scaling of soil-borne algae from small to large volumes for shipment to MyLand outposts. The leader will manage workflows, mentor team members in algae cultivation techniques, and drive process development and optimization.

This role will report directly to the Lab Manager at our Phoenix headquarters

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate and clearly communicate algae culturing and mailing schedule based on needs from operations department, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of algae cultures.
• Supervise and assist laboratory technicians and production specialists in laboratory procedures to ensure timely and accurate delivery of algae cultures to operations department.
• Conduct regular team meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and set priorities.
• Conduct regular 1:1s with direct reports, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment, providing them feedback, promoting continuous improvement and professional development for them.
• Create and lead others in the execution of projects and experiments to better the laboratory and further optimize laboratory protocols. Request materials, write reports, analyze data, and communicate findings with minimal to no supervision.
• Perform necessary team management tasks such as approving timesheets, providing performance appraisals, and selecting talent
• Lead team in troubleshooting equipment or procedure issues, researching and implementing solutions and performing necessary equipment repairs.
• Lead team in monitoring of laboratory chemical and consumable inventory, request purchases as needed
• Write and update Standard Operating Procedures for laboratory and production tasks.
• Conduct the training and auditing of laboratory technicians, and production specialists I, II, ensuring they are well-versed in standard operating procedures and algae production methodologies.
• Occasionally analyze samples for algae health indicators such as density, pH, nitrates, etc. Use a microscope to identify and quantify algae and contamination. Summarize and communicate findings for other departments.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and laboratory notebook.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in: Microbiology, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related field
• AND minimum of three years experience in cultivating microscopic organisms
• AND minimum of one year experience with leading 1 or more direct reports

Required Skills:

• Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills to lead and work collaboratively with team members to develop and execute goals
• Expert use of aseptic technique to execute procedures in sterile workspaces, capable of teaching others and integrating aseptic technique into new procedures
• Ability to write, teach, and execute laboratory protocols with minimal to no supervision
• Capable of prioritizing tasks to successfully meet goals and timelines and helping others prioritize tasks to meet goals and timelines
• Expert in use of brightfield and phase microscopy to identify algae and contaminants
• Capable of accurately entering and analyzing data in electronic formats such as Microsoft excel
• Capable of clearly and patiently communicating new procedures/techniques to others
• Self-motivated to update job knowledge by reading technical publications and willingness to learn from others
• Must be very organized with heavy emphasis on attention to detail and providing accurate work at all times.
• Must have a high sense of confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Demonstrate the MyLand values of being bold, transparent, empathetic and partners.

Physical Demands/Requirements:

• Physical Demands/Requirements:
• Stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
• Exert up to 50 pounds of force consistently
• Close visual acuity and strong hand-eye coordination required to perform quality control of materials and perform procedures using aseptic technique
• Exposure to chemicals typically used to culture algae
• Able to work in varied weather conditions (indoor and outdoor)

All applicants who are offered employment with MyLand Company, Inc. will be subject to a background investigation up to and including professional reference, previous employer verifications, etc. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation in accordance with MyLand Company, Inc policy and state law.

Learn More To learn more about how MyLand is transforming soil health globally, visit myland.ag.

MyLand is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. We focus on building a workplace where everyone belongs, to ensure all employees feel welcomed and are elevated to contribute. We invite you to bring your curiosity, drive, and passion to MyLand. Because without your unique perspective, we can’t have ours.