"Molecular Technologies Specialist"

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

This position is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Molecular Technologies (MT) resource (www.moleculartechnologies.org) within the Beckman Institute at Caltech. MT develops and supports next-generation programmable molecular technologies for reading out and regulating the state of endogenous biological circuitry in an anatomical context.

Essential Job Duties

• Synthesize and QC-test molecular kits for users of the MT resource.
• Provide technical support to users of the MT resource (e.g., in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry). 
• Give presentations to orient new users on MT resource offerings.
• Correspond with MT users by email.
• Perform wet lab experiments to validate and optimize next-generation technologies (e.g., RNA in situ hybridization, DNA in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, imaging molecular complexes, fluorescence microscopy, cell culture, flow cytometry).
• Maintain protocols and coordinate approvals (e.g., IBC, IACUC).
• Participate in research meetings and discussions.
• Contribute materials for publications, grant proposals, and annual reports.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant technologies in literature.
• May receive co-authorship or acknowledgment depending on level of involvement.
• Maintain equipment and lab supplies.
• Work with a software engineer to maintain and update MT web app for kit ordering and record keeping; and/or take the lead in using Google Forms or equivalent to provide MT users an interface to order kits.
• Serve as Pierce Lab safety officer.
• Other duties as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering, Biology, or related field.
• 5+ years of wet lab experience, including polyacrylamide/agarose gel electrophoresis, use of protein enzymes to manipulate nucleic acids, oligonucleotide synthesis and labeling, PAGE and HPLC purification, and general molecular biology experience.
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to perform autonomously; possesses management and leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including via email; ability to maintain positive collaborative relationships within the MT user community.
• Highly organized and proactive, able to plan and design research experiments independently and keep an accurate, detailed, and neat lab notebook.
• Must be dedicated, responsible, meticulous, independent, and interested in creating a unique academic resource at Caltech.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cell culture, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, assay development, quantitative image analysis, Python, NUPACK; if lacking experience in these areas, this position will offer the opportunity for growth to gain mastery in these areas.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$29.75 - $36.75 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.

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

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.