Sequencing & AI Research Scientist (PhD)

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech’s Ismagilov Lab is hiring a Sequencing and AI Research Scientist for a 1-year term to support a DARPA BTO project. The role combines wet-lab sequencing with AI modeling to address noise and scale limits in sequencing data.

The candidate will integrate wet- and dry-lab work, perform quantitative analyses in Python, design novel sequencing assays, and contribute to publications while mentoring students and collaborating across groups.

Qualifications

• PhD in Life Sciences, bioengineering, computational biology, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field.
• Experience designing and carrying out high-quality quantitative sequencing experiments.
• Strong quantitative and statistical skills.
• Strong experience performing mathematical modeling in Python.
• Excellent communication and ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design, carry out, and modify experimental procedures; record observations, perform data analysis, interpret results, and report results to research team and PI.
• Design, develop, and implement novel models and algorithms.
• Design, develop, and implement novel quantitative sequencing assays (including modifying sample-preparation and library-preparation steps).
• Perform quality-control assessment and troubleshooting of sequencing pipelines.
• Perform bioinformatic analyses, including microbial and human sequencing data.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and grant reports for funding agencies.
• Provide leadership and/or guidance to students and support personnel.
• Collaborate with other research groups as needed to resolve technical problems.

Job description

Caltech’s Ismagilov Lab is hiring a Sequencing and AI Research Scientist for a 1-year term to support a DARPA BTO project. The role combines wet-lab sequencing with AI modeling to address noise and scale limits in sequencing data.

The candidate will integrate wet- and dry-lab work, perform quantitative analyses in Python, design novel sequencing assays, and contribute to publications while mentoring students and collaborating across groups.