Astera Institute · 3 months ago
Pioneer Labs - Operations Associate
Emeryville HQ
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$100K/yr - $140K/yr
1+ years expPioneer Labs is a nonprofit research startup focused on advancing the science of extremophiles for sustainable life on Mars. The Operations Associate will manage systems, logistics, and coordination to support a team of scientists in achieving their ambitious goals.
Business DevelopmentFinanceFinancial Services
Responsibilities
Core Operations: Manage onboarding/offboarding, IT and software accounts, credit cards, and office assets. Coordinate support from external HR, payroll, and bookkeeping contractors
Compliance Coordination: With guidance from senior consultants, manage HR, nonprofit, and business compliance—ensuring required training, handbooks, filings, and registrations are current. Coordinate with tax and audit consultants yearly
Events & Culture: Organize internal gatherings, including team events, retreats, and seminars that strengthen the team and our relationships with collaborators
External Event Planning: Lead planning and execution of Pioneer-hosted scientific events—such as annual 30+ person workshops—that create venues for scientific discussion and community engagement. Manage logistics, communications, and day-of coordination
Communications and Branding: Maintain website and newsletter updates, coordinate open-science publishing logistics (typesetting, DOI generation), and oversee creation of visual assets and swag that reflect Pioneer’s identity
Qualification
Required
1–3+ years of experience in operations, administration, or similar 'get-things-done' roles (startups a plus)
Strong problem-solving skills with a bias to action
Collaborative and low-ego: willing to own the big and the small
Proactive and organized
Excited to learn new things
Experience with organizing both internal and external events
A genuine 'people person' who enjoys connecting with others, building relationships, and fostering community
A good communicator and listener
Preferred
Familiar with HR compliance, contracts, and financial coordination in a startup or nonprofit environment
Benefits
Health Insurance (inc. medical, dental, and vision) for employee and dependents
Family leave (up to 12 weeks)
A flexible time off policy
Employer-matched 401(k) plan
Company
Astera Institute
Astera Institute is a non-profit that supports science and technology projects.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Jed McCaleb
Founder
Recent News
2025-12-20
2025-12-19
Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Funding
2025-12-17
Company data provided by crunchbase