Research Technician

at  California Institute of Technology

JOB SUMMARY

The Shapiro Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology develops molecular and cellular technologies to enable non-invasive imaging and control of biological processes. We are seeking a Research Technician to join our team and help us accomplish this research mission. The successful candidate will assist with laboratory operations and contribute to experiments involving molecular and cellular engineering. The Research Technician will be an integral member of the laboratory alongside the lab manager, other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. As part of their research project contributions, they may be awarded co-authorship on scientific publications.
Additional information about the Shapiro group can be found at http://shapirolab.caltech.edu.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 1+ year of laboratory experience with molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and/or animal models.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Adaptability and interest in taking on a variety of tasks and challenges.

50%: Preparing, assaying, and distributing key research reagents for Shapiro lab and collaborators, such as:

• Expression and purification of gas vesicle proteins for ultrasound research.
• Developing methods for scaled-up production and quality testing of gas vesicles for translational research.
• Preparation of transformation-competent bacteria for molecular cloning.

25%: Assisting with research-related laboratory operations, such as:

• Organizing, restocking/ordering, or preparing the laboratory’s biological consumables and reagents.
• Organizing the maintenance of major laboratory equipment.
• Completing protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Participating in lab cleanups and waste disposal.

25%: Assisting with one or more research projects involving techniques such as:

• Molecular biology (DNA cloning).
• Bacterial and mammalian cell culture.
• Biochemical methods such as protein purification and electrophoresis.
• Fluorescence microscopy.
• Ultrasound imaging.
• Histology.
• Data processing.

The percentages are approximate and may change based on laboratory needs. Other duties may be assigned as needed.