Laboratory Technician

Intermediate Laboratory Technician  

Vancouver, British Columbia   

Company address: 33 W 8th Ave, Suite 101, Vancouver, BC.
Language of work:  English 
Employment:  Permanent, full-time 
Salary/salary range: $60,000-$73,000
 

About us  

At Arca, we pull carbon dioxide from the air and store it permanently as rock. To do this at scale, we partner with the minerals industry to implement our technology at mine sites, using their rock waste as our feedstock. These are the same mines that are producing the minerals necessary for the transition to a clean energy future. Arca’s founders are leaders in the field of carbon capture in mine tailings with more than 20 years of experience in innovation and research. 

We believe that by working with nature, not against it, we can achieve carbon dioxide removal on the scale needed to secure thriving and abundant life on Earth for generations to come. If that resonates, we want to hear from you. We’re building a team of sharp, mission-driven, and collaborative individuals who take pride in using their skills to contribute to a sustainable future.  

Position Overview  

As an Intermediate Laboratory Technician, you'll work with the science team at our on-site location in Vancouver. You’ll perform carbon capture experiments, mineral activation experiments and material characterization, ensuring the smooth functioning of our laboratories and contributing to the success of our groundbreaking projects. This position strikes a balance between hands-on tasks, experimental support, and maintaining a well-organized lab environment. Onboarding, laboratory training, and health & safety instruction will be provided.  

Responsibilities  

• Independently perform laboratory experiments involving carbon capture tests, mineral activation, and material characterization using specialized equipment, including kilns, microwaves, thermogravimetric analyzers (TGAs), and LI-COR gas analyzers. 

• Prepare and process samples, ensuring accurate setup, calibration, and execution of thermal and chemical experiments. 

• Conduct comminution (crushing and grinding) of diverse feedstocks, both dry and wet, optimizing particle size for reactivity and analytical consistency. 

• Maintain and calibrate instrumentation (kilns, reactors, vacuum systems, LI-COR analyzers, TGAs). 

• Manage laboratory inventory and chemical stocks, anticipating needs and coordinating procurement to support uninterrupted experimental operations. 

• Document experimental methods, parameters, and results in detail, ensuring full traceability and accessibility within shared data management systems. 

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for experimental workflows, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and version control. 

• Uphold and promote all health and safety protocols in chemical handling and high-temperature operations. 

• Collaborate with engineers, geochemists, and data scientists to interpret experimental data and translate findings into process insights for pilot and industrial-scale applications. 

• Carry out any other related duties (e.g., training new staff) as  in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification. 

Skills and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Geology, Geochemistry, Chemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science) with strong applied laboratory experience. 

• Hands-on proficiency in mineralogical, geochemical, or soil analytical techniques, including dissolution testing, sample characterization, and reactivity analysis. 

• Experience in operating and maintaining analytical instruments such as LI-COR gas analyzers, TGAs, vacuum systems, and high-temperature reactors. 

• Experience in mineral activation technologies (thermal, microwave, chemical, and mechanical) across diverse feedstocks and process conditions. 

• Familiarity with interpreting data from ICP-OES, X-ray diffraction, dynamic closed chambers, and coulometric titration. 

• Trained in comminution (crushing and grinding), safe forklift operation, and handling of industrial-scale mineral feedstocks.  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to summarize experimental data to nontechnical audiences. 

• Experience in developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), emphasizing reproducibility, traceability, and safety. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently on multiple experiments concurrently and coordinate effectively within a fast-paced R&D environment. 

We’re looking for individuals who…  

• Are optimistic, we can make an impact in the fight against climate change  

• Embrace an optimistic mindset, eagerly tackling ideas and situations that challenge conventional boundaries 

• Thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced working environment  

What we offer at Arca  

• A competitive salary  

• Three weeks’ holidays plus the week off between Christmas and New Year’s  

• Flexible working policy  

• Flex Fridays  

• Stock options  

• $1,000 professional development budget to support your growth.  

• 100% paid by employer, comprehensive health benefits package including medical, dental, and life, plus Health and Wellness spending account and employee assistance program.  

• A fun and diverse environment, with inspired colleagues who are united in the fight against climate change  

At Arca, we believe that our commitment to diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also essential for our success as a company. We welcome and encourage all qualified candidates to apply for our open positions, regardless of their background, race, colour, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability.