Research Scientist

California-Institute-of-Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Job summary

Caltech in Pasadena invites applications to lead a Merkin Institute–sponsored project translating basic discoveries into a practical approach for treating chronic skin wound infections. The role emphasizes hands-on experimental work and collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities include designing and executing mouse experiments, studying antibiotic retention in hydrogel formulations, assessing toxicity on human cell lines, and probing molecular mechanisms of antibiotic tolerance in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related scientific field.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute mouse experiments (25%).
• Design and execute hydrogel antibiotic retention studies (25%).
• Design and execute hydrogel toxicity assays on human cell lines (25%).
• Design and execute experiments to uncover molecular mechanisms of antibiotic tolerance by bacteria (25%).

Skills

Mouse experiments

Collaborations

Mentoring

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a related scientific field

PhD in Molecular Genetics

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

Lead a project sponsored by the Merkin Institute to translate basic scientific discoveries into a project that can be used to treat chronic skin wound infections.

• Design, execute and collaborate with another staff member to perform mouse experiments (25%).
• Design, execute and collaborate with a graduate student to characterize antibiotic retention by a hydrogel formulation (25%).
• Design and execute experiments to assess the toxicity of the hydrogel formulation on human cell lines (25%).
• Design and execute experiments to uncover molecular mechanisms of antibiotic tolerance by bacteria (25%).

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience performing mouse experiments.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience collaborating with chemical engineers and isotope geochemists to conduct reference measurements.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience collaborating with clinicians at Cedars‑Sinai.
• Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced work environment.
• Ability to effectively mentor and collaborate with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Genetics.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$59,800 - $85,900 Per Year

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

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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] .