Research Lab Technician in Human Health, Microbiome & Automation

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Job Summary

The Ismagilov Lab at Caltech is hiring a full-time Research Lab Technician for a 2-year term position. Reporting to Professor Rustem Ismagilov, the successful candidate will contribute to key projects and collaborations in human health. Examples include : developing novel tools that improve biological AI models by orders of magnitude; developing closed-loop systems that combine robotics and AI for rapid autonomous experimentation; discovering in human tissues novel bacteria, fungi, and viruses (and corresponding genes and pathways) responsible for heath and disease; developing novel diagnostic approaches; understanding microbial origins of human diseases. Additional details about the lab can be found at .

Essential Job Duties

• Assist graduate students, postdocs, and research staff in their projects.
• Design and perform exceptionally high-quality experiments.
• Perform automated DNA and RNA extractions from many different sample types, including clinical samples (, saliva, swabs, urine, blood).
• Perform nucleic acid amplification analyses using standard techniques such as qPCR, ddPCR, RT-qPCR, RT-ddPCR, and LAMP.
• Assist with sequencing library preparations for 16S rRNA gene and shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
• Perform library quality control steps prior to sending samples out for sequencing.
• Perform basic microbiology techniques such as bacterial culture, making media, and handling glycerol stocks with aseptic techniques.
• Analyze raw data and generate figures using software provided by the laboratory.
• Assist with scripting and validating protocols for liquid handlers.
• Maintain the lab’s excellent standards for biosafety and chemical safety.
• Follow lab procedures for maintaining a neat, detailed electronic lab notebook.
• Maintain the organization of lab workspaces and maintain stocks of lab supplies.
• A highly motivated and qualified candidate may additionally develop independent aspects of ongoing projects, while continuing to provide research support to the lab.

Basic Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Required Documents

Hiring Range

$18.50 - $24.75 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 and .

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 .

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 .