Research Technician in Molecular and Cellular Biology - Guttman Lab
Pasadena, CA 
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Posted 2 days ago
Job Description

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

We are seeking a highly motivated and dependable individual with experience in molecular biology to join our integrative computational and experimental team in characterizing nuclear structure and architecture as it influences gene expression and functional outcomes at the cellular level, in many instances focusing on the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs. Specifically, this person will help to optimize methods and generate data for understanding interactions between RNA, DNA, and proteins in mammalian cells. This work will include experiments to characterize RNA-protein interactions and DNA-protein interactions involving cell culture, cell line engineering using CRISPR methods, cloning tasks, library generation for high-throughput sequencing, and mass spectrometry.

With close guidance from senior members of the lab, the candidate will work closely with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and staff members, and in accordance with guidelines set forth for a particular task in the lab, to perform bench level experiments and small projects and apply various technologies in specific biological applications that support the overall research objective of the overall lab. The candidate will adapt easily to changing needs and priorities of a fast-paced research environment, facilitate project completion, address technical issues as they arise, and will summarize and present results to the research group.

Essential Job Duties

* Maintaining mouse embryonic stem cells including media and reagent preparation,

* Cloning expression constructs and Cas9/CRISPR-based targeting constructs followed by transfecting validated plasmids into mouse embryonic stem cell lines.

* Screening cell lines to identify successfully targeted clones.

* Measuring functions of lines derived from transfections.

* Functional assays will include, but are not limited to, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, RNA Antisense Purification, DNA and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, flow cytometry, and RNA immunoprecipitation.

* qPCR, immunostaining, fluorescent microscopy, and functional readouts will be required for quality control assessment.

* Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in biology or related field required.
  • Experience in a research laboratory (not including a class setting)
  • Solid technical knowledge of molecular cloning, cell biology techniques, and mammalian tissue culture
  • Experience related to mammalian tissue culture.
  • Familiarity and hands-on experience with molecular biological methods and the operation of standard lab equipment required.
  • Excellent organization, time management, and project management skills
  • Ability to record and report results with clarity.
  • Must be detail-oriented and perform precise work in the laboratory.
  • Persistence and willingness to troubleshoot technical challenges.
  • Motivation to learn and master new methods and techniques.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff and with external contacts in a fast-paced environment required.
  • Ability to handle a variety of tasks simultaneously required.
  • Must possess a high level of initiative and the ability to work with little supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct laboratory experience involving molecular cloning, synthetic biology, or cell biology a plus.
  • Broad knowledge of cell biology, cloning, gene synthesis, and/or gene targeting approaches a strong plus.
  • Basic knowledge of sequence analysis tools such as BLAST, primer3, UCSC genome browser, and other applications
  • Basic familiarity with cellular transfection and/or gene perturbation

Required Documents

  • Resume.
  • Cover Letter.
Hiring Range

$18.00 - $24.00 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.


Caltech is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and will, whenever possible, actively recruit and include for employment members of underrepresented minority groups, females, disabled veterans, protected veterans, and otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Caltech will hire, transfer, and promote based on the qualifications of the individual to ensure equal consideration and fair treatment of all.

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
Open
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