Lab Technician Intern

Lab Technician (Summer 2026 Internship)

Birch Biosciences is a startup company based in Portland, Oregon that is developing new technology for plastic recycling. Conventional recycling methods are expensive, inefficient, and unsustainable. We’re developing a new approach to recycling complex plastics using engineered enzymes that is low cost, efficient, and importantly, reduces the environmental impacts of plastic. Global demand for plastic is expected to triple by 2050, so our plastic problem is only going to get worse unless we do something about it!  We are seeking passionate individuals to join us in building a company dedicated to tackling the challenges of plastic waste and making a lasting impact on our community and our environment. 

Position overview: 

We are seeking a part-time Lab Technician (Summer 2026 Internship) to join our team and support lab operations. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and adept at multitasking. In this role, you’ll work closely with Birch’s process engineers and scientists to support day-to-day lab operations and active process development work. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience across a range of laboratory and analytical techniques in a fast-moving startup environment. If you thrive in a scrappy, mission-driven setting and are eager to build real skills while helping solve one of the major unsolved environmental challenges of our time, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations & Upkeep

• Support all core laboratory operations including glassware cleaning, media and buffer preparation, autoclaving, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and hazardous waste management.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked lab environment; collaborate with the administrative team on routine supply purchasing and inventory management.
• Process plastic material for use in reactor studies

Reactor Operations & Experimental Support

• Set up and operate Birch’s lab-scale reactor platform, including experiment preparation, execution, teardown, and data collection—following detailed protocols with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Prepare laboratory solutions and buffers with rigorous attention to concentration, pH, and formulation accuracy.
• Support Birch’s process development team in screening new waste stream feedstocks and optimizing process conditions, including high-throughput 96-well plate experiments.
• Provide general experimental support to Birch scientists, including setup of laboratory experiments and real-time data collection.

Analytical & Data Support

• Perform routine data collection, organization, and analysis to support ongoing process development work.
• Be trained to operate analytical chemistry instruments, including HPLC and DSC, and execute sample analyses following established methods.

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in or recent completion of a degree program in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Prior experience working in a laboratory setting is preferred; engineering or chemistry lab experience is a plus.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all aspects of experimental work.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
• Ability to commit 10–15 hours per week during regular business hours (9am–5pm).
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Eagerness to learn, build new skills, and grow alongside the Birch team.

Compensation & Details:

This is a part-time, non-exempt internship position. Expected hours: 10–15 hrs/week at a rate of $17/hr. This is a 3–4 month internship starting June 8, 2026. Compensation will be based on level of experience with requested qualifications.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to hello@birchbiosciences.com that addresses the following questions:

• What previous laboratory experience do you have?
• Why do you want to work at Birch Biosciences?
• What are your long-term goals, and how would this opportunity contribute to your career development?

Work at Birch:

We are a small team who care deeply about making a lasting impact on the planet. Together, we uphold our values in our work and how we treat one another. At Birch, you'll find a supportive community where we empower one another to think big. We believe in the collective power of our team and strive for everyone to have a fulfilling and rewarding career.

If you don’t have all of the pre-requisite skills, experience or degrees, please send us an application—we’d love to evaluate your application and see if there is an opportunity for us to work together! 

Birch Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. 

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.