Join EarthOptics as a Production Associate!

Our mission is to be the leading soil information company, delivering maps that growers, farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders use to cost-effectively increase yields and improve soil health and the climate. We are creating a future where traditional sampling methods are obsolete.

At EarthOptics we are combining cutting-edge genomic analysis, data science, microbiology, and remote sensing to revolutionize agriculture. Our unified mission is to help farmers and ranchers sustainably increase their yields and feed the growing world through all things soil.

We are a growing company with a passion for soil health, innovative technologies, and supporting all within the food value chain. We currently have ~100 individuals spread across 20 states and two countries, and they come from all walks of life, industries, and experiences. We are deeply focused on building the future of AgTech and sustainability and helping the world see soil differently.

Our Production Associate will join our Genomics team in our Emeryville, CA laboratory as an individual contributor, supporting EarthOptics’ mission through high-quality laboratory operations. We have certain criteria across all our hires at EarthOptics, no matter the position or team. Regardless of the role, our team embraces learning, craves collaboration, and is driven by a fast-paced environment. If you resonate with our values and goals, we encourage you to apply.

The digs:

• Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Work Location: This is an onsite position in our Emeryville, CA office and laboratory.
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm
• Target Start Date: August 2026
• Compensation: $25.00/hour

What you’ll cultivate as a Production Associate: (Your responsibilities)

• Perform high-throughput DNA extraction using established laboratory workflows and automated liquid handling systems.
• Conduct DNA quality control (QC) using a variety of laboratory instruments to ensure samples meet production standards.
• Assist with the operation and routine maintenance of equipment used for DNA extraction and next-generation sequencing workflows.
• Maintain accurate production records, laboratory documentation, and sample tracking.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment while following all safety and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support troubleshooting of routine laboratory equipment and escalate issues when appropriate.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet production goals and turnaround times.

Within your first 60–120 days, you can expect to:

• Independently perform DNA extraction workflows while consistently meeting quality and throughput expectations.
• Demonstrate proficiency operating automated liquid handling equipment with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to maintaining production schedules by processing samples accurately and efficiently.
• Become a reliable team member who follows SOPs, maintains documentation, and supports continuous improvement initiatives.

Are you our soil-mate? You’ll bloom in this role if you have experience in: (Your qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific field.
• 1-2 years of lab experience using various equipment and instrumentation, such as pipettes, centrifuges, and automated liquid handling systems.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to follow written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Strong written documentation and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and perform repetitive hand movements.
• Availability to work onsite in Emeryville, CA.

**We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor or transfer visas at this time.

Although not required, we’d love to see roots in:

• Prior experience in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• Previous experience with high-throughput DNA extraction workflows.
• Experience operating automated liquid handling platforms.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience improving SOPs, quality control frameworks, or laboratory workflows.
• Experience in AgTech, environmental testing, commercial laboratories, or startup environments.

Aside from “the green”, we can offer you:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - 90% funded by EarthOptics for benefit-eligible employees and 55% for dependents
• Company-paid LTD, STD, and Life Insurance
• Meaningful equity option grants
• 401k Plan + Employer Match up to 4%
• Accrued paid time off, with increased accrual rate each year of service
• Parental Leave
• Professional Development Stipend + access to learning platforms
• Candidate Referral Program
• Above and Beyond Bonus Program
• Regular opportunities to give feedback on our benefits offerings

How we stay grounded:

Although we have teammates working in the field, in-office, and at home, we aim to create a cohesive, diverse, and enriching environment for all of our employees. We embrace different tools to enhance our workflows and communicate intentionally, both live and asynchronously. A few quick facts you should know:

• We rely on Slack to communicate. Although there are a variety of team-specific systems to facilitate your work, this is our primary!
• We love both food and emojis at EarthOptics. If hired, you’ll come to love (and use many) taco and donut emojis. 🌮🍩
• Our core business hours are Monday through Friday 11am-4pm EST. We have teammates in every time zone, and have some teams that operate outside of that timeframe. As a remote employee, you are asked to honor those hours to ensure enough time to overlap with key cross-functional teams.
• In order to maximize our remote culture, we host company-wide opportunities to connect (virtually and in-person) and create space for focus work. For example, we have a weekly all-hands stand-up meeting on Monday and reserve Fridays as a regular “No Meeting” day.
• Instead of values, we believe in actionable “cultural concepts”. Collectively, we hold one another to act and give feedback with these concepts in mind. Ours are information and intent, recognition and respect, and autonomy and accountability.

Inclusion and Diversity at EarthOptics:

At EarthOptics, we embrace diversity and equality, and stand against any form of discrimination or harassment. We base all hiring and promotion decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability.

We are deeply committed to welcoming and including every qualified individual. As a part of this commitment, we ensure that persons with disabilities have access to reasonable accommodations. If you require assistance during the job application or interview process, need support to perform essential job functions, or seek other benefits and privileges of employment, please reach out to us at accommodations@earthoptics.com.