Lab Technician, Polymer Chemistry

Captura; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Equity

401(k) with match

3 weeks PTO + holidays + winter break

Job summary

Captura is seeking an experienced Lab Technician to join our startup and contribute to the development and scale-up of ion exchange membranes. You will conduct organic synthesis, polymerization, and analytical work in a hands-on lab environment at our Pasadena location.

The role emphasizes safe lab practices, meticulous recordkeeping, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D and manufacturing teams. Salary ranges reflect early-stage startup compensation and growth potential.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures
• Good laboratory documentation and housekeeping practices
• Willingness to support cross-functional R&D and manufacturing efforts
• Experience with handling organic solvents and lab safety procedures

Responsibilities

• Perform organic synthesis and polymerization experiments in small to moderate scale
• Prepare reagents, weigh and transfer chemicals, and set up reactions following SOPs
• Monitor reaction parameters to ensure optimal polymerization conditions
• Maintain accurate notebook records and data for samples and experiments
• Assist with operation and maintenance of lab instruments (NMR, GPC, viscometer)
• Organize lab chemicals, glassware, and supplies; keep benches and hoods clean and safe

Skills

Attention to detail

Documentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related field

Tools

NMR

GPC

Viscometer

Job description

About the Role

Captura is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Lab Technician to join our growing startup at a pivotal early stage in our ion exchange polymer and membrane development. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the development and scale‑up of next‑generation ion exchange membranes through hands‑on laboratory work. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of practical laboratory experience in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, materials development, or a related field, with strong laboratory skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safe and organized laboratory practices. The Lab Technician will play an important role in executing day‑to‑day experimental work, supporting polymer synthesis, operating and maintaining analytical instruments, and ensuring that the laboratory remains safe, clean, organized, and efficient.

Responsibilities

• Perform organic synthesis and polymerization experiments following established procedures and experimental instructions provided by research chemists - up to 5-liter size reactors and 5-gallon size processing containers.
• Carry out routine laboratory operations under supervision of research chemists - reagent preparation, weighing and transferring chemicals, solution preparation, reaction setup, workup, precipitation, filtration, washing, and solvent removal.
• Monitor reaction parameters such as temperature, viscosity, and conversion to ensure optimal conditions for polymerizations.
• Maintain accurate and timely laboratory notebooks, sample records, and analytical data.
• Assist with operation and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and characterization equipment - NMR, GPC, viscometer, etc.
• Organize laboratory chemicals, solvents, consumables, glassware, and other supplies.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory hygiene, cleanliness, and organization, including proper cleaning and organization of glassware, equipment, benches, fume hoods, and shared laboratory areas.
• Follow established SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and EHS procedures for safe handling of chemicals, solvents, equipment, and laboratory waste

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field, or equivalent relevant laboratory training and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience in chemical, polymer, materials, or similar laboratory environment.
• Experience with organic synthesis, polymerization, or related chemical laboratory work.
• Experienced and comfortable with the safe handling of laboratory chemicals and organic solvents, including THF, DMF, DMSO, DCM, chloroform, methanol, and similar solvents.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to consistently follow written experimental procedures and SOPs.
• Good laboratory documentation, organization, and housekeeping practices.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, or move laboratory supplies and solvent/chemical containers, typically up to 50 lb, with appropriate handling equipment and safety procedures when required.
• Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with R&D and closely support.
• Willingness to put in additional time during peak periods, such as key deadlines or launches.

Featured Benefits

_ Compensation _

The approximate salary range for this role is $75,000–$95,000. Actual compensation depends on factors unique to each candidate, including geographic location, education, experience, qualifications, and job‑related skills. It is not typical for someone to be hired above the midpoint of the range. This range reflects base salary only — total compensation includes the benefits and rewards outlined below, and will be considered as a whole when we present an offer.

_ Benefits & Total Rewards _

• Health coverage: Medical, dental and vision fully covered for employees, with partial coverage for dependents
• Equity: Stock option grant, with amount determined based on role and experience
• Retirement: 401(k) with match
• Time off: 3 weeks PTO plus company holidays and a paid winter break between Christmas and New Year’s
• Growth: Ground‑floor opportunity to build and scale the manufacturing and supply chain function as Captura grows