Laboratory Technician

Carnegie Science • Pasadena, CA

58d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Laboratory Technician to join three recently relocated research laboratories to Caltech, Pasadena. Our groups study a diverse range of photosynthetic microorganisms and microbial communities using a combination of microbiological, molecular, genomic, imaging, and computational approaches. As a key member of our laboratories, you will play an important role in establishing and maintaining our new research spaces while supporting scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and students with a wide variety of laboratory activities. This position is ideal for an organized, proactive individual who enjoys working in a collaborative, fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge microbial and environmental biology research.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience working in microbiology, molecular biology, or related laboratory settings.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and microbial culturing.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Nice To Haves

• Experience culturing photosynthetic microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, algae, or other environmental microbes.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and sequencing workflows.
• Experience with laboratory inventory management and ordering systems.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and regulatory compliance.
• Experience supporting multiple research groups in a shared laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the organization, setup, and optimization of newly relocated laboratory spaces.
• Establish and maintain inventories of laboratory supplies, reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Coordinate purchasing, receiving, and stocking of laboratory materials.
• Coordinate pickups for laboratory waste.
• Maintain laboratory records, protocols, and safety documentation.
• Help ensure compliance with institutional safety and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare media, buffers, reagents, and stock solutions.
• Culture, maintain, and monitor photosynthetic microorganisms and other microbial strains.
• Assist with routine microbiological experiments and sample processing.
• Support molecular biology workflows, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and library preparation.
• Assist with sample collection, preservation, and archiving.
• Maintain laboratory instruments and coordinate service and repairs when needed.
• Monitor growth chambers, incubators, freezers, and other shared laboratory equipment.
• Ensure proper calibration and operation of laboratory instruments.
• Provide technical assistance to researchers across all three laboratories.
• Help train new laboratory members in standard laboratory procedures.
• Assist with data organization, record keeping, and protocol documentation.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Benefits

• The opportunity to work with a diverse and collaborative team of scientists.
• Exposure to a wide range of cutting-edge microbiological, biochemical, molecular, and ecological research techniques.
• Professional development opportunities in a dynamic research environment.
• A chance to help build and shape newly established laboratory facilities and operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level