Our mission is to protect and improve human and environmental well-being by creating advanced materials for forward-thinking companies.
We envision a safer world in which fluids and surfaces are no longer compromised. This vision helps us attract the right cross-disciplinary team, partners, and collaborators. It motivates our actions and guides our innovation.
Who We Are
We are a highly motivated team of experts from various fields working together to develop innovative solutions for the future. Kremenak NanoTech, Inc. (KNT) is a deep tech startup established in 2018 with a focus on using advanced materials to create transformative solutions. Our unique patent pending material, Urchin Black™ (UB™), destroys bacteria, fungi, and protozoa on contact without using any toxins or heat and without causing resistance.
Our Shredder™ liquid-treatment equipment is a game-changer in beverage production, specifically breweries, going beyond pasteurization to revolutionize microbial control. We provide our customers with not only novel solutions but also complete support packages to help them maximize the potential of their products.
Our success so far has been driven by our growth mindset, cross-disciplinary collaboration, elegant solutions, data-driven decision-making, and resourcefulness. If you share our values and are determined to make a difference, KNT is the place for you to find fulfillment!
The Role
As the first Laboratory Technician, you will play a crucial role in the growth and success of our company. This dynamic position requires you to wear multiple hats, collaborate closely with the entire KNT team, and be a key player in developing exceptional operational workflows. Your ability to think critically and make evidence-based decisions will be pivotal to the success of our innovations.
Working alongside KNT team members, you will help maintain laboratory functions in a fast-paced R&D laboratory. Your responsibilities will include setting up routine tests, testing samples, maintaining equipment, record keeping, and documentation. You will also be involved in the production assembly and QA/QC of the Shredder. Processing beverage samples from our customers, including performing routine microbiology and sample characterization assays, will also be a part of your role. Additionally, you will work with team members to record and maintain detailed data, observations, and notes.
If contributing to solving complex human and environmental problems sounds motivating, we would be delighted to hear from you!
What You'll Do:
You will perform all duties related to the QA/QC program to ensure that our product meets high-quality standards before and during customer use
You will be responsible for setting up and running laboratory tests, and meticulously documenting the results
You will be using a variety of laboratory diagnostic tools and methods to perform analyses and tests
Execute, refine, create, and maintain laboratory SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to ensure consistency, accuracy, and safety
You will be responsible for keeping the laboratory clean and organized
Ensure equipment is properly maintained, perform preventative maintenance tasks, troubleshoot, and communicate with equipment manufacturers
Proper disposal of laboratory waste
Cross-train on other analytical methods in the lab to perform tasks as needed
You will be performing routine beverage characterization tests including microbiology (plating), sensory, and chemistry
Make and pour growth media
Aseptic sampling at customer facilities
Maintain inventory and ordering system for lab supplies
Perform routine calibration and inspection of laboratory equipment
Conducts all activities in a safe and efficient manner
Performs other duties as assigned
What We're Looking For
Minimum:
2+ years of relevant work experience in a high-throughput laboratory performing aseptic microbiological testing
4-year degree in a Science-related field; preferably Microbiology (BS or MS)
Experience setting up, running, reading lab tests, and operating laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometer, DO meter, pH meter, conductivity meter, centrifuge, incubator, pumps, microscope, etc.
Willingness to take on any task required to drive success and dive into the nitty-gritty details
Work Independently/Self-Starter: You should be a self-motivated individual who can work independently, identify problems and bottlenecks, and proactively take initiative to drive projects to completion
Excellent Excel and Google Sheets skills
Strong mathematical and scientific skills
Passion for data-driven decisions combined with the ability to take action and do what it takes.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent presentation and problem-solving abilities
Proven ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple concurrent projects
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed, organized, and reliable records
Desirable Qualifications:
Advanced degree or relevant professional certifications
Experience working for a startup company
Experience working in beverage production
Experience writing publications, grants, or patent applications
Public speaking experience
Excellent engineering, computational, and analytical proficiency
Experience coding with R, Python, or C is a plus
Compensation & Benefits
You'll report directly to the CTO and be part of the early team of a high-growth startup with uncapped opportunities for career advancement and personal growth
Work in a dynamic, collaborative, and creative environment where your contributions will make a real impact
Help drive innovation, reduce waste, and improve sustainability in a massive market
Competitive compensation and benefits package:
Salary Range for this role is $50,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience
Healthcare reimbursement available through the Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement
Location
This position is onsite at our headquarters located in the Missouri Innovation Center in Columbia, Missouri. Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia is an ideal college town in central Missouri with a low cost of living. Our headquarters is located near beautiful parks, trails, and the downtown area with local shops and restaurants.
This salaried position requires availability to work 45-50 hours/week between the hours of 8:00 am to 7:00 pm with flexible hours when necessary. It is mandatory to work in person at the headquarters in Columbia, MO. Additionally, the job requires the ability to collect samples from customers as needed.
Physical / Mental Requirements
Position requires occasional moving and lifting of items weighing up to 50 lbs, as well as movement such as ladder climbing, bending, dexterity, reaching, speaking, keyboarding, and long periods of standing, sitting, or walking. Position requires hearing, understanding, and distinguishing speech and other sounds (e.g., equipment alarms). Clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less (i.e., working with small objects and using computers) is also required.
New hires must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Non-Standard Work Schedule, Travel Or Environment Requirements
Occasional remote work, evening or weekend hours (due to company needs), and work-related travel will be necessary.
EEO & Employment Eligibility
Kremenak NanoTech, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Kremenak NanoTech, Inc. also complies with all applicable national, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines