Sequencing and AI Research Scientist

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 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 Ismagilov Lab at Caltech is hiring a full-time Sequencing and AI Research Scientist for a 1-year term position. Reporting to Professor Rustem Ismagilov, the successful candidate will work full-time to support an ambitious DARPA BTO project to overcome the ubiquitous noise and scale limitations of using biological sequencing data for artificial intelligence (AI) training and inference. The successful candidate will have strong experience with integrating wet-lab and dry-lab approaches, including mathematical modeling, bioinformatics analyses, experimental design, and wet-lab implementation and improvement of sequencing experiments.

Job Duties

• Design, carry out, and/or 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 human and microbial sequencing pipelines.
• Perform bioinformatic analyses, including microbial and human sequencing data.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and grant reports for funding agencies.
• Conduct literature research; provide scientific information for research (including grant) reports and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Provide leadership and/or guidance to students and support personnel.
• Collaborate with other research groups as needed to resolve technical problems.
• Follow lab procedures for maintaining a neat, detailed electronic lab notebook.
• Present research work at meetings/seminars and participate in lab discussions.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in the relevant areas of the Life Sciences (bioengineering, computational biology, bioinformatics, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field).
• Lab experience in designing and carrying out high-quality quantitative sequencing experiments.
• Strong quantitative and statistical skills.
• Strong experience performing mathematical modeling in Python.
• Strong prior experience performing quantitative analysis of sequencing data.
• Highly detail-oriented; must have prior experience performing sensitive experiments and using laboratory techniques.
• Must be able to use sound judgment to handle a variety of tasks simultaneously and shift priorities, as well as take the initiative to effectively solve moderately complex problems.
• Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience handling regulated data and controlled unclassified information (CUI) such as human sequencing data.
• Prior experience generating and communicating novel technical ideas, demonstrated via preparing successful funding proposals and intellectually leading research projects.

Required Documents

Resume

Hiring Range

$63,000 - $90,000 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

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] .