Research Technician

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Job Summary

The Shapiro Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology develops molecular and cellular technologies to enable non-invasive imaging and control of biological processes. We are seeking a Research Technician to join our team and help us accomplish this research mission. The successful candidate will support daily laboratory operations, assist with experimental workflows, and help maintain shared research facilities. This role involves animal colony management, laboratory safety oversight, molecular biology support, and tissue processing for imaging and histological analysis.

The Research Technician will be an integral member of the laboratory alongside the lab manager, other technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students to ensure efficient laboratory operations and contribution to ongoing research projects. As part of their research project contributions, they may be awarded co-authorship on scientific publications.

Additional information about the Shapiro group can be found at

Essential Job Duties

• Animal Colony Management, Laboratory Safety, Waste Management, and Compliance
  • Manage the laboratory's colony of experimental mice, including animal counts, transfers, and orders.
  • Coordinate animal experiment needs with lab members and ensure an appropriate supply.
  • Serve as a lab controlled substance (CS) custodian: manage CS inventory, records, and proper disposal.
  • Maintain and organize lab supplies and shipments.
  • Manage laboratory waste streams and submit service tickets for hazardous waste pickup.
  • Assist with the drafting and amendment of animal use protocols.
• Molecular Biology, Cell Culture, and Imaging
  • Perform plasmid DNA preparations, including mini-prep, midi-prep, and maxi-prep.
  • Perform mammalian cell culture experiments, including vector packaging.
  • Prepare tissue samples and perform fluorescence immunohistochemistry (IHC) and imaging using confocal microscopy.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in biology, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• 1 or more years of experience working in a biological or biomedical research laboratory.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research setting.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and chemical handling procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with small animal research.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence tissue staining.
• Experience with confocal microscopy or confocal imaging analysis.
• Experience working with AAV and lenti.
• Experience with laboratory waste management and EHS regulatory compliance.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$19.00 - $25.75 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.