Senior Research Scientist

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Job Summary

Conduct research in the Prober Lab focused on zebrafish behavior and immunology. Design and perform experiments, develop and adapt research assays, and analyze experimental data using coding and appropriate statistical methods.

Essential Job DutiesConceive original research, design and perform experiments in zebrafish behavior and immunology. Generate code and employ appropriate statistical tests to analyze data. Generate new assays as needed and adapt published assays to the needs of current projects. Methods include:

• Molecular genetics: design and clone DNA constructs and use microinjections to generate transgenic zebrafish lines, use CRISPR technology to generate mutant zebrafish lines.
• Behavior: Use video-tracking technology combined with mechanoacoustic, pharmacological, genetic, chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulation of zebrafish behavior and assess the effects on arousal, locomotion, and sleep.
• Microscopy: Use epifluorescence and confocal microscopy for imaging of live and fixed tissue.
• Histochemical analysis: Use immunohistochemistry, in situ staining, HCR, and similar techniques to analyze protein localization and gene expression.
• Zebrafish husbandry: Establish and maintain zebrafish lines, validate new mutant and transgenic lines.

Writing and communication

• Based on the results of original research, write research manuscripts and grant applications.
• Advise on preparation and edit manuscripts and grants created by others in the lab.
• Attend meeting and conferences and present research findings in posters and talks.

Supervision and mentoring

• Manage and supervise technicians daily on general duties and independent projects; provide guidance on experimental design and execution, data analysis, and presentation.
• Mentor and train graduate students and postdocs as needed in all areas of expertise and especially on performing and analyzing video-tracking experiments.
• Special focus in training new lab members and supervising them closely in their first few years in the lab.

Equipment and mentoring

• Responsible for maintaining and repairing critical lab equipment (video-tracking machines).
• Coordinate major repairs and upgrades with vendor support as needed.
• Provide training and support to lab members in conducting video-tracking experiments and analyzing the results.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD and postdoctoral experience in Biology.
• Minimum of 8 years experience in zebrafish behavior, molecular biology, genetics, microscopy, and histochemical techniques, strong publication record.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$100,000 - $130,000

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.