New

Research Technician

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jul 30, 2025
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 serves to lead the efforts for protein expression and purification in the Bjorkman lab. This includes daily maintenance of cell lines, large-scale transfections, and purifications of protein expressed in mammalian cells for multiple lab members. The job requires good communication and organization, as well as attention to detail to work with multiple proteins at the same time. In addition, this position assists with neutralization assays in the lab, including BSL-2 work with pseudotyped viruses. Adherence to lab safety practices is required. Essential Job Duties Tissue/Cell Culture (manage multiple cell lines, cell counts, splitting, etc.). Transfections (collecting orders, aliquoting opti-MEM, etc.). Harvesting/Purification (harvesting, filtering, calibrating columns, loading supernatants, washing, and eluting). Laboratory Management (answering emails, checking inventory, ordering reagents/CO2, training/answering questions, lab safety, etc.). Western blots (reducing samples, SDS-Page, western blotting, antibody washes, visualizing). Neutralization Assay (prep cells for assay, organize samples and plate maps, set up assays, read assay plates, send off assay results). Reporting, meetings, and communication. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. 2+ years of experience working with mammalian tissue culture and transient transfection of mammalian cells. BSL-2 experience working with viruses. Basic laboratory skills and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Master's of Science in Biology. Bachelor's of Science in Microbiology. Cell/Tissue Culture (suspension and adherent cell lines), Protein Expression and Purification (affinity purification), SDS-Page/Western blot and Coomassie stain, Neutralization Assays, lab management (keeping lab space clean, organized, maintaining inventory), data entry (collecting orders, updating important spreadsheets), and experience as a laboratory safety officer. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $23.50 - $30.25 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 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.