Research Assistant

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Job Summary

The Qian lab is seeking a Research Assistant who may be interested in transitioning to a PhD program at the interface of Computer Science and Molecular Engineering. The Research Assistant in Software Engineering will support the development of innovative software tools and applications that advance the lab's research in programmable molecular systems. The Research Assistant will assist with designing and implementing web-based compilers and computational platforms for the design, simulation, and analysis of nucleic acid systems.
Essential Job Duties
• Assist in software development to support research for programmable molecular systems, focusing on web-based compilers and computational tools for designing, simulating, and analyzing nucleic-acid system behaviors.
• Utilize relevant literature and existing computational tools in nucleic acid nanotechnology, molecular programming, synthetic biology, and related areas to inform software design.
• Under the supervision of the faculty member, draft documentation, tutorials, and example workflows to support use of the software by researchers.
• Prepare software performance, usability, and reliability reports for evaluation by supervising faculty member and communicate with users of the software.
• Opportunity to test molecular designs experimentally in the laboratory work, under the supervision of group members.
• Opportunity to collaborate with research team members to brainstorm new conceptual designs, research ideas, and other software tools based on scientific needs and user feedback.
Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science.
• Must have a minimum of two years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Computer Science.
• Experience with web-based software development.
• Proficiency in user interface design principles.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$21.50 - $21.63 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.