Research Technician

Taleo; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech's Okumura Laboratory seeks a Research Technician to operate, maintain, and develop spectroscopic, mass spectrometric, and vacuum instrumentation. The role collaborates with graduate students and other researchers, with potential co-authorship on publications.

Primary duties include instrument maintenance and data acquisition to advance atmospheric chemistry research. The candidate will contribute to lab operations and be involved in developing new techniques for high-precision

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering.
• 1+ year of laboratory teaching or research experience.
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing a new mass spectrometry/laser method.
• Assist in developing a vacuum system for the study of semiconductor processing.
• Assist in improving existing spectroscopy experiments and acquiring data.
• Assist with research-related laboratory tasks, such as maintaining shared resources.

Skills

Analytical instrumentation knowledge

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time-management skills

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering

Tools

Programming knowledge

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 Okumura Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology performs laboratory physical chemistry experiments investigating gas phase chemistry relevant to Earth’s atmosphere, planetary atmospheres, and interstellar medium, as well as reactive environments such as combustion or semi-conductor plasma deposition. We use state-of-the-art methods in laser spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, as well as develop new techniques for high-precision measurements and planetary probes, often in collaboration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We are seeking a Research Technician to join our team and help us accomplish this research mission. The successful candidate will primarily operate, maintain, and develop spectroscopic, mass spectrometric, and vacuum instrumentation, and assist with laboratory operations. They will work closely with graduate students and other research personnel. As part of their research project contributions, they may be awarded co-authorship on scientific publications.

• Assist in developing a new mass spectrometry/laser method.
• Assist in developing a vacuum system for the study of semiconductor processing.
• Assist in improving existing spectroscopy experiments and acquiring data.
• Assist with research-related laboratory tasks, such as maintaining shared resources.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering.
• 1+ year of laboratory teaching or research experience.
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of optics, spectroscopy, vacuum systems, and/or mass spectrometry.
• Knowledge of computer programming.

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

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] .