Position Description

Research Technical Assistant

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Overtime Eligible

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 Fianu Laboratory at Caltech is dedicated to studying gene regulation and genome stability. We use state-of-the-art biochemical reconstitution and cryo-electron microscopy to examine the molecular machinery responsible for ensuring precise gene regulation and accurate genome maintenance. We are seeking a talented and motivated Technical Assistant to maintain mammalian and insect tissue cultures and support ongoing research. The successful candidate will be collaborative, contribute to multiple projects, and work closely with researchers to develop assays. This position is ideal for ambitious individuals eager to learn in a dynamic, stimulating scientific environment.

Essential Job Duties

• Maintain mammalian and insect tissue cultures.
• Conduct heterologous protein expression in mammalian and insect cells.
• Perform transformations and transfections, and manage tissue cultures.
• Perform basic molecular cloning and generate baculoviruses and lentiviruses for protein expression and other applications.
• Purify proteins using AKTA HPLC systems and standardize purification protocols.
• Assist in biochemical assays and contribute to the cryo-EM sample preparation pipeline.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, or Microbiology) with 1 year of work experience, or a Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with routine mammalian and insect cell culturing and using sterile techniques.
• Practical knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR, molecular cloning).
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mammalian and insect tissue culture.
• Experience in protein purification using AKTA HPLC systems.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$19.00 - $25.75 Per Hour

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.