"Research Technician"

Research Technician

Caltech
Job Category: Fulltime Regular
Exempt Overtime Eligible: 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 Shapiro Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology develops molecular and cellular technologies to enable non-invasive imaging and control of biological processes. We are seeking a Research Technician to join our team and help us accomplish this research mission. The successful candidate will support daily laboratory operations, assist with experimental workflows, and help maintain shared research facilities. This role involves animal colony management, laboratory safety oversight, molecular biology support, and tissue processing for imaging and histological analysis.

The Research Technician will be an integral member of the laboratory alongside the lab manager, other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students to ensure efficient laboratory operations and contribution to ongoing research projects. As part of their research project contributions, they may be awarded co-authorship on scientific publications.

Additional information about the Shapiro group can be found at http://shapirolab.caltech.edu.

Essential Job Duties

• Animal Colony Management, Laboratory Safety, Waste Management, and Compliance
  • Manage the laboratory's colony of experimental mice, including animal counts, transfers, and orders.
  • Coordinate animal experiment needs with lab members and ensure an appropriate supply.
  • Serve as a lab controlled substance (CS) custodian: manage CS inventory, records, and proper disposal.
  • Maintain and organize lab supplies and shipments.
  • Manage laboratory waste streams and submit service tickets for hazardous waste pickup.
  • Assist with the drafting and amendment of animal use protocols.
• Molecular Biology, Cell Culture, and Imaging
  • Perform plasmid DNA preparations, including mini-prep, midi-prep, and maxi-prep.
  • Perform mammalian cell culture experiments, including vector packaging.
  • Prepare tissue samples and perform fluorescence immunohistochemistry (IHC) and imaging using confocal microscopy.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in biology, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• 1 or more years of experience working in a biological or biomedical research laboratory.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research setting.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and chemical handling procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with small animal research.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence tissue staining.
• Experience with confocal microscopy or confocal imaging analysis.
• Experience working with AAV and lenti.
• Experience with laboratory waste management and EHS regulatory compliance.

Required Documents

• Resume