Staff Scientist

Taleo; Pasadena, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech in Pasadena is seeking a scientist to execute and guide genetic engineering in the Parker lab, focusing on the rove beetle Dalotia coriaria. You will develop a genetic toolkit to study evolutionary gains and losses of cell types and behaviors in interspecies interactions.

The role requires planning knock-ins, producing transgenics, confirming phenotypes, and maintaining engineered lines, with emphasis on practical genome editing in Coleoptera and insect husbandry.

Qualifications

• BS in Evolutionary Biology or closely related discipline.
• 3+ years of genome editing experience in insects.
• 3+ years of genome editing in Coleoptera.
• 2+ years of genetic editing and husbandry experience with Aleocharinae rove beetles, specifically Dalotia coriaria.

Responsibilities

• Plan knock-in projects: identify endpoints, design DNA constructs, synthesize reagents and purchase items.
• Produce transgenics: perform microinjections, rear and genotype, cross to isogenize.
• Confirm phenotypes: use qPCR, microscopy, GCMS, and related tools.
• Maintain engineered lines: genotype/phenotype routinely, monitor fitness metrics and decontaminate as needed.

Skills

Genome editing in insects

Genome editing in Coleoptera

Rove beetle handling

Insect husbandry

Education

BS in Evolutionary Biology or related field

PhD in Evolutionary Biology (preferred)

Job description

Job Summary

Execute and guide genetic engineering efforts in the Parker lab, with a specific focus on the rove beetle Dalotia coriaria. Develop a genetic toolkit to study evolutionary gain and loss of cell types and behaviors associated with interspecies interactions.

• Plan knock-in projects: identify desirable endpoints (express what, where, and when), design DNA constructs, synthesize and purchase reagents, prepare insect socks. (30%)
• Produce transgenics: perform microembryonic injections, rear injected insects, genotype and phenotype to identify knock-in events, form and care for crosses to isogenize. (50%)
• Confirm phenotypes: use appropriate tools and techniques including qPCR, microscopy, GCMS, etc. (10%)
• Maintain engineered lines: confirm homogeneity by routine genotyping and phenotyping, monitor fitness metrics including density and signs of pests and fungi, decontaminate as needed. (10%)

Basic Qualifications

• BS in Evolutionary Biology or a closely related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in genome editing experience in insects.
• 3+ years of experience of comprehensive genome editing in Coleoptera.
• 2+ years of genetic editing and husbandry experience with Aleocharinae rove beetles, specifically Dalotia coriaria.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Evolutionary Biology or a closely related discipline.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$63,000 - $89,000 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

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] .