"Associate Research Scientist"

Position Description

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Exempt

Benefits Eligible
Benefit Based

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 Patke and Hoelz Laboratories at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) seek a highly motivated Associate Research Scientist with a Ph.D. and postdoctoral training in molecular biology or cell biology to advance a joint research program focused on the mechanisms of the human circadian clock and its role in human sleep disorders, as well as related projects on nucleocytoplasmic transport. The successful candidate will have substantial scientific independence and project ownership.

Essential Job Duties

Scientific Research:

• Initiate and drive research projects in circadian biology and related areas.
• Perform genetic manipulation of mammalian cell lines and related molecular and cell biological techniques.
• Generate common laboratory reagents and maintain critical research resources.
• Drive data generation in support of high-impact publications and grant applications.
• Analyze and present data at laboratory meetings, conferences, and in manuscripts.

Mentoring and Collaboration:

• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff as appropriate.
• Train new laboratory personnel and serve as a resource for experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate collaborations between laboratories, core facilities, academic institutions, and industry partners.
• Contribute to the preparation and submission of research grants, including generation of preliminary data and scientific reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline, with a minimum of three years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Sufficient depth of training to engage independently with laboratory instrumentation and experimental workflows from the outset of employment.
• Proficiency in core molecular biology techniques, including site-directed mutagenesis, DNA cloning, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, DNA purification, and bacterial transformation.
• In-depth expertise in state-of-the-art genome editing techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9, and demonstrated experience in the culture and maintenance of diverse mammalian cell lines.
• Experience with functional cell biological assays that readout biological processes such as transcription repression and/or activation, splicing, protein translation, and protein transport.
• Experience with fixed and live cell imaging of proteins and nucleic acids.
• Strong scientific motivation, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine interest in circadian biology and human sleep disorders.
• Ability to work independently, set daily and long-term priorities, design experimental approaches, operate complex instrumentation, and troubleshoot unexpected results, while knowing when to seek guidance.
• Sound scientific judgment in experimental design and data interpretation, with a track record of working effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present data clearly at laboratory meetings, contribute to manuscript preparation, and assist with grant writing.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$79,700 - $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

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.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

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 employment@caltech.edu.

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 employment@caltech.edu.