Research Technician

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Job Summary

The Research Technician will support neuroscience research investigating the neural circuits underlying behavior using in vivo imaging, behavioral experiments, stereotaxic surgery, viral approaches, and histological methods. The position will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and other laboratory members to conduct experiments, maintain animal colonies, process tissue, and support the day-to-day operation of ongoing research projects.

Essential Job Duties

• Stereotaxic surgery and experimental preparation
  • Perform and assist with mouse stereotaxic surgeries, including intracranial viral injections, implantation of optical components such as cranial windows, GRIN lenses, optical fibers, and related experimental preparations. Provide pre-operative and post-operative animal care according to approved animal protocols.
• In vivo imaging and behavioral experiments
  • Assist with and perform neuroscience experiments involving two-photon imaging, miniscope imaging, behavioral assays, and other optical or physiological recording approaches. Prepare animals and experimental equipment, collect data, and monitor experimental quality.
• Histology and tissue processing
  • Perform animal perfusion, brain extraction, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence imaging, and anatomical verification of viral expression and implant placement. Maintain accurate records linking histological results with individual experimental animals.
• Mouse colony management and genotyping
  • Assist with maintenance of transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, identification, genotyping, and organization of animal records. Coordinate experimental animal availability with researchers and laboratory animal-care staff.
• Experimental data processing and documentation
  • Organize, annotate, and perform initial quality control and basic analysis of imaging, behavioral, and histological datasets. Maintain clear experimental records, protocols, inventories, and electronic data files to ensure reproducibility and efficient collaboration with the laboratory.
• General laboratory and research support
  • Prepare reagents and surgical materials, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, manage research supplies, and assist with development or optimization of experimental procedures. Work collaboratively with laboratory members and help train new personnel in relevant laboratory techniques when appropriate.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of laboratory research experience in neuroscience, biology, or a related biomedical field.
• Experience working with experimental animals, particularly rodents.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience performing mouse stereotaxic surgery and intracranial viral injections.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with cranial-window, GRIN-lens, optical-fiber, or related neural implant procedures.
• Familiarity with viral-vector-based neural circuit approaches, including AAV-mediated gene delivery.
• Basic experience with neuroscience data organization, imaging processing, or quantitative analysis using software such as ImageJ/Fiji, Python, MATLAB, or related tools.
• Ability to learn and perform technically demanding experimental procedures with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to maintain accurate experimental and animal records.
• Ability to follow established laboratory protocols and institutional animal-care and safety requirements.
• Ability to work independently after training while also functioning effectively as part of a collaborative research team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with in vivo fluorescence imaging, particularly two-photon microscopy and/or miniscope calcium imaging.
• Experience with mouse perfusion, brain sectioning, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and anatomical verification of experimental preparations.
• Experience maintaining transgenic mouse colonies and performing PCR-based genotyping.
• Experience conducting behavioral neuroscience experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex experimental procedures and troubleshoot technical problems with minimal supervision.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$25.75 - $32.00 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

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.