"Lab Manager"

Position Description

Lab Manager

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Exempt

Benefits Eligible
Benefit Based

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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.

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Job Summary

The Ozturk Lab is seeking a Laboratory Manager for a research laboratory focused on prebiotic (geo) chemistry, physics of living systems, and the origins of life. This position is part of an interdisciplinary environment that integrates geosciences, chemistry, and physics to investigate fundamental questions about the emergence of life on Earth and beyond.

The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for managing the technical and operational activities of the laboratory, including coordinating daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, maintaining and calibrating instruments, and supporting the procurement and installation of new equipment. The incumbent will provide technical training and mentorship to laboratory personnel, including graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate researchers, and will assist with the design and execution of experiments.

Essential Job Duties

• Responsible for managing the technical and operational activities of the laboratory, including coordinating daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, maintaining and calibrating instruments, and supporting the procurement and installation of new equipment.
• Ensure proper maintenance and functionality of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Train students and other junior researchers on experimental techniques, data acquisition, and data interpretation.
• Assist with the execution of experiments by contributing to the design, building, and operation of apparatus, as well as by data acquisition and analysis.
• Lead independent and original research projects in alignment with the lab’s goals. Write scientific manuscripts and prepare presentations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or experimental physics.
• A minimum of five (5) years of post-bachelor level research experience in academic, industrial, or national laboratory settings.
• Wet lab experience and familiarity with anoxic glovebox maintenance and operation.
• Nanofabrication experience, including XPS, AFM, ALD, e-beam evaporation, sputtering, and lithography techniques.
• Familiarity with NMR, HPLC, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM.
• Machine shop experience and familiarity with custom instrumentation design and construction.
• Basic experience in electronics, circuit design, and control.
• Mentoring experience for laboratory personnel on technical operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental research and a strong track record of scientific communication (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, presentations).

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-doctoral level experimental research on Physical Chemistry/Organic Synthesis/Origins of Life.
• Has worked as an engineer, senior scientist, lab manager, or in a pharmaceutical company.
• Experience with flow systems, continuous manufacturing, and microfluidics.
• Experience with spectroscopy and microscopy.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$69,000 to $89,600 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.