Research Laboratory Technician

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

California Institute of Technology is seeking a motivated Research Technician to support the Zernicka-goetz Lab in Pasadena. This full-time role involves lab setup, reagent preparation, and helping with cell and embryo culture, plus imaging with confocal systems.

The ideal candidate holds a biology-related bachelor's degree and at least two years of hands-on molecular biology, stem cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and image analysis (IMARIS). Weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science with emphasis in biology or embryology.
• At least 2 years hands-on molecular biology experience.
• Experience with stem cell and tissue culture.
• Experience with mammalian tissue cultures, embryos, and iPSC lines under BSL2.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.
• Hands-on wet lab experience; ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong organization and communication skills; team player.

Responsibilities

• Assist with general laboratory organization and set-up.
• Generate and maintain common laboratory reagents.
• Operate confocal microscopy systems to capture images and long-term videos.
• Assist postdocs and graduate students with cell culture, data and image analysis (IMARIS).
• Perform immunohistochemistry on mammalian cells and embryo cultures.
• Identify routine culture issues and communicate observations; assist troubleshooting.
• Possibility of independent projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Stem cell culture

Mammalian cell culture

Immunohistochemistry

Confocal microscopy

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in science with emphasis in biology or embryology

Tools

IMARIS software

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Zernicka-goetz Lab at Caltech is looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to support lab projects and operations. This is a full-time position.

• Assist with general laboratory organization and set-up.
• Generate and maintain common laboratory reagents.
• Ability to use different confocal microscopy systems to capture images as well as long-term video images of cell and embryo cultures.
• Assist postdocs and graduate students with cell culture experiments, data and image analysis (using IMARIS).
• Perform Immunohistochemistry on mammalian cells and embryo cultures.
• Identify routine issues with cell cultures and communicate observations to senior laboratory personnel; assist with troubleshooting under guidance.Occasionally require alternative work schedule, with the possibility of weekend work to meet project deadlines, media change or address unexpected issues.
• A highly motivated and qualified candidate may develop independent projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science with an educational emphasis in biology or embryology.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years of good practical experience in all basic molecular biology techniques, especially the techniques related to the essential job duties.
• Experience in stem cell and tissue culture.
• Experience with mammalian tissue culture, mammalian embryos, and iPSC lines under BSL2 conditions.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy
• Must have hands-on wet lab experience.
• Must work productively and efficiently under minimal supervision.
• Must understand basic workflow and operations of laboratory research processes.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Eager to learn new techniques and methodologies.
• Excellent problem solver, strong organization and communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A background in embryology..
• Data analysis experience and demonstrable quantitative skills.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$20.00 - $27.00 Per Hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time.

Learn more about our benefits and staff perks .

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .