Research Support Assistant

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

California Institute of Technology is seeking a Research Support Assistant focused on cleaning animal cages and related equipment. The role ensures cage wash areas remain organized, compliant with SOPs, AAALAC, NIH, and USDA standards, and supports sanitation/sterilization processes with effective communication.

This Essential Reporting position requires preparing sanitized cages, maintaining equipment, and documenting sanitation activities in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Pre-employment medical clearance required; participation in Occupational Health program with vaccinations (e.g., MMR) and routine TB testing.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work under environmental conditions such as heat, wet/humid, and exposure to animal dander, odors, and chemicals.
• Six months of relevant experience or training (preferred).
• Demonstrated organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate SOP-driven cage wash equipment such as bottle fillers, floor scrubbers, autoclaves, and pH meters.

Responsibilities

• Process soiled cages and ancillary equipment for cleaning and prepare sanitized/sterilized cages for reuse.
• Operate rack/tunnel washers and autoclave; apply cleaning products per SOPs.
• Maintain clean/soiled equipment and traffic separation per SOPs.
• Complete all sanitation and sterilization documentation within defined timeframes.
• Work safely using required PPE.
• Prioritize workload and align with cage/equipment change-out schedules.
• Use environmental detectors to verify cleaning efficacy.
• Work mainly under direct supervision.
• Prepare clean cage equipment for use.
• Maintain cage wash areas and storage areas in an organized, sanitary condition.
• Monitor inventory of chemicals and accessories; alert about shortages.
• Assist in unloading, stocking supplies including lab coats.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and notify supervision as needed.
• Assist in minor repairs and report malfunctions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job description

Job Summary

The Research Support Assistant is responsible for the cleaning of animal cages, cage components, and ancillary equipment. Maintains cleanliness and organization of the cage wash area. Processes animal use equipment in compliance with standard operating procedures, AAALAC, NIH, and USDA standards. Practices effective written and verbal communication with peers and management to facilitate the smooth operation of the sanitation and sterilizing functions.

This is an Essential Reporting position. An employee designated as Essential Reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Processes soiled animal caging and ancillary equipment for cleaning and prepares sanitized/sterilized cages and components for reuse using cage wash equipment and applying basic knowledge of cleaning products, equipment, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).


• Must have thorough working knowledge of rack washer, tunnel washer, autoclave, pH meter, bottle washer, bottle filler, floor scrubber, and other equipment as directed.


• Maintains and understands clean/soiled equipment and traffic separation according to established SOPs.


• Completes all sanitation and sterilization requirements, including all documentation within acceptable and established time frames.


• Completes all work assignments in a safe manner using all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).


• Prioritizes workload and plans work days to accommodate ACF animal technician cage and equipment change-out schedules.


• Uses appropriate temperature and other environmental detection and verification devices to ascertain proper efficiency and cleaning capabilities of equipment.


• Works mainly under direct supervision.


• Prepares clean caging equipment for use.


• Maintains cage washing areas and other assigned work areas (central hallways, storage rooms, etc.) in an organized and sanitary manner.


• Maintains inventory of chemicals and accessories for all applicable equipment.


• Alerts supervisory personnel in a timely manner of impending shortages and reorder amounts.


• Assists in unloading, storage, and stocking supplies, including lab coats.


• Troubleshoots potential equipment failures and notifies supervisory personnel of potential equipment malfunctions within an acceptable timeframe.


• Assists in minor repairs and/or alerts supervisory personnel of equipment malfunction at the time of observation.


• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be able to successfully pass the required pre-employment medical clearance. Upon hire, must be willing and able to participate in an Occupational Health program that requires vaccinations (e.g., MMR) along with routine TB testing and other testing and vaccinations, as required by and at the discretion of the Institute.


• Ability to stand, walk, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, handle, finger, talk, hear, and see.


• Ability to frequently lift/carry objects up to 50 pounds.


• Ability to judge distance and space relationships, to adjust vision to bring objects into focus, and to distinguish and identify different colors.


• Ability to work under environmental conditions such as extreme heat, wet, humid, and likely exposure to animal dander, diseases, odors and bites, housekeeping/cleaning agents/chemicals, and exposure to hot surfaces.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six months of appropriate experience or training.


• Demonstrated effective organizational, oral, and written communication skills.


• Ability to perform duties in accordance with department policies/procedures such as bottle filler, floor scrubber, rack and/or tunnel washer.


• Computer and machine skills such as Autoclave and pH meter.

Required Documents

• Resume


• Cover Letter (optional)

Hiring Range

$20.75 - $22.50 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].