New

Research Scientist

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Oct 26, 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 Develop programmable molecular technologies within the Pierce Lab at Caltech. Essential Job Duties Design and perform computational and experimental studies to develop and validate novel programmable molecular technologies: 1) bioimaging based on the mechanism of hybridization chain reaction (HCR), 2) programmable conditional regulation using small conditional RNAs (scRNAs). Contribute to the preparation of publications, grant proposals, and annual reports. Work independently day-to-day as lead researcher on multiple R&D projects. Collaborate with the PI and other lab members. Other duties as needed. Basic Qualifications PhD in Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 5 years of hands-on wet lab research experience. Demonstrated experience analyzing and designing nucleic acid systems using NUPACK and OxRNA. Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, DNA cloning, and DNA sequencing. Proven management and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively guide research projects and teams. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Highly organized, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment. Ability to independently plan, design, and execute research experiments with minimal supervision. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate, comprehensive, and well-organized laboratory records and notebooks. Preferred Qualifications Experience with in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative analysis of experimental data. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $63,000 - $89,000 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 Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 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.