New

Research Technician

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Aug 15, 2026
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 Research Technician will provide hands-on support for quantitative, cell-based experiments studying protein function and signaling circuits in cultured mammalian cells, working primarily with flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy under the guidance of senior lab members. The position supports ongoing research in quantitative cell biology by assisting with experiment setup and execution, routine data collection, and maintenance of cell lines and reagents. Essential Job Duties Assist with quantitative cell-based experiments under supervision, following established protocols: mammalian cell culture, transfection, fluorescent labeling, and treatment with ligands or other perturbations. Assist in acquiring single-cell data by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, and support routine data organization and preliminary analysis. Assist with routine molecular biology procedures, including cloning, plasmid and mRNA preparation, RNA isolation, qPCR, and siRNA-mediated knockdown, following established protocols. Support data analysis using established computational pipelines and help prepare figures and summaries of results for review by senior lab members. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a life sciences or engineering field and a minimum of 1 year of relevant laboratory experience. Some hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique (through coursework, internships, or prior lab work). Familiarity with standard molecular biology methods, such as cloning, RNA isolation, and PCR or qPCR. Exposure to fluorescence-based measurements, such as flow cytometry or microscopy. Wet lab experience. Basic data analysis skills using Python, R, or comparable tools. Accurate record-keeping, strong organization, and the ability to follow detailed protocols and work well as part of a team. Preferred Qualifications Coursework or hands-on experience with flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy instrumentation. Exposure to cell signaling pathways or genetically encoded biosensors. Familiarity with Python or R for basic scientific data analysis. Some prior experience with mRNA transfection, siRNA knockdown, or routine cell line maintenance. 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. 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.