New

Research Scientist

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jul 10, 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 We seek a creative and technically rigorous Research Scientist to design, build, and deploy synthetic biology tools for engineering gut bacteria, with a focus on gut-brain axis diseases. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently throughout the process of designing and testing new therapeutic modalities. Essential Job Duties Engineer anaerobic bacterial protein expression systems. (15%) Design and build bacterial engineering tools to be deployed in the gut. (20%) Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments to characterize and validate bacterial engineering tools across relevant disease models. (30%) Develop techniques to measure in vivo protein expression and activity (20%) Prepare research reports, drafts and presentations for internal meetings, publications, grant proposals and conferences. (15%) Basic Qualifications PhD in Biological Sciences. Detailed knowledge of synthetic biology and the gut microbiome. 5+ years of synthetic biology and microbiology experience. Strong experience with standard molecular biology technologies including plasmid design, PCR, DNA cloning, NGS, protein purification and analysis. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Highly organized, self-directed, and execution oriented. Preferred Qualifications Postdoctoral experience. Detailed knowledge of gut-brain interactions in health and disease contexts. Experience mentoring undergraduates or graduate students. Demonstrated track record of publications. Experience presenting at scientific meetings. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $59,800 - $85,900 Per Year 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.