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Job SummaryThe Biology and Biological Engineering Division at the California Institute of Technology seeks highly motivated Research Scientist (1 opening), to serve as Scientist for Preclinical Gene Therapy in the Gradinaru Laboratory (glab.caltech.edu)
The work will be fast paced, challenging and collaborative, and therefore requires that the candidate be well organized and has strong problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills. It is essential that the applicant has hands-on experience with molecular cloning and cell culture. Additionally, the candidate must have experience with animal models of disease (i.e., rodent and/or NHP models). The ideal candidate would also have experience with recombinant virus production, fluorescence microscopy, and analysis of large datasets. Candidates need to have a doctoral degree in a biological science and a strong record of productivity as evidenced by multiple publications, including as first and/or corresponding author. The position requires outstanding organizational skills, as well as experience in the managing of a life science laboratory and collaborations. The candidate will work independently under general guidance from the PI, Prof. Gradinaru, and must exhibit strong problem-solving skills (e.g., be able to accurately recognize irregularities in experimental results and modify experiments as needed). Must be accurate, efficient, organized and keep detailed records. Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment are required. One position, available immediately. Competitive pay and benefits, based on experience level.
Essential Job DutiesCore Responsibility

• The position will be leveraging our previously identified AAV gene transfer vehicles that transduce, via the vasculature, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and other important targets (e.g., heart, muscle), to discover and restore disease pathways in preclinical animal models. In addition, the position will be engineering new AAV cargo for versatile, safe, and efficacious gene therapies.

The Position Will Also Be Responsible For

• Prepare annual reports.
• Grant writing – individual or collaboratively.
• Guide external collaborators.
• Travel occasionally.
• Prepare publications.
• Present findings at group meetings and participate in lab discussions.
• Work closely with the PI and other laboratory staff to adapt methodology to fit research requirements and ensure that research timelines are kept on track.
• Keep careful records.
• Train laboratory personnel and help with daily operations for smooth functioning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience.
• Prior hands-on experience with molecular cloning, DNA/RNA isolation, mammalian tissue/cell culture, qPCR, transfections.
• DNA and virus preparation, tittering and functional evaluation of vectors in vitro and in vivo.
• Cell culture for recombinant AAV production and validation.
• In vivo vector administration, tissue processing, DNA/RNA isolation, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy.
• Working knowledge of sequence analysis tools such as BLAST, SnapGene/DNA Star/Vector NTI, and primer design software.
• Must have prior experience with mouse models and NHP models.
• Must be self-motivated and organized.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills – the position requires a coordinated effort within and across laboratories.
• Excellent communication skills (writing and verbal) and the ability to interact professionally with students and all levels of staff as well as with external collaborators.
• Ability to handle a variety of tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to resolve technical problems and adapt easily to changing needs and priorities.
• Must possess a high level of initiative.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD level (postdoctoral experience a plus but not required),
• Experience working with recombinant viral vectors under BSL2 conditions.
• Hands on experience with fluorescence and confocal microscopy.
• Stereotaxic injections.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization.
• Experience with bioinformatics and analysis of next generation sequencing datasets.
• Excellent organization, time management and project management skills.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range $60,000 - $82,500 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
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 If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at