Instrumentation Physicist/Engineer

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Job Summary

Caltech scientists have embarked upon a major project to develop nanotechnology-based instrumentation that will enable deep profiling of the single-cell proteome and metabolome. This work is being pursued in close collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen, Germany). To advance this effort, a cohort of scientists / engineers have been hired to work at Caltech (Pasadena, CA, USA) in complementary areas spanning : proteomics and single-cell analysis, nanosystems development, high frequency / microwave engineering, optics and integrated photonics, software-defined instrumentation, and bioinformatics enabled by AI / machine learning. This job posting for a senior instrumentation physicist / engineer is part of the effort to advance this project. The successful applicant will possess skills in the conception, planning, modeling, assembly, and characterization of precision measurement instrumentation. He / she / they will join world-class team creating transformational measurement instrumentation. Specifically, the applicant will assist the Principal Investigator in the design of measurement systems for ion optics, cryogenic nanosensor-array readout, mid-infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet molecular photodissociation. Among the individual’s principal responsibilities will be hardware design via 3D CAD and numerical, essential job managing external machining contractors and, subsequently, assembly of ion optical systems, vacuum apparatus, optical systems for molecular excitation and analysis, cryogenic systems, mass spectrometry instrumentation, nanoflow liquid chromatography / mass spectrometry (nLC / MS), and software for instrument control and data analysis. Successful candidates for the Instrumentation Physicist / Engineer position should possess several years of hands-on knowledge in instrumentation engineering, computerized instrument control, and automated data acquisition.

Job Duties

The job tasks will comprise of all aspects of the construction of ultrasensitive measurement instrumentation within a highly-collaborative team effort. The physicist / engineer is expected to contribute to most, but not necessarily all, of the task areas listed below.

• Lead design of several new optical systems that interface with novel custom cryogenic and high vacuum instrumentation. Relevant spectral ranges include the intra-red, visible, and ultra-violet regimes.
• Work closely with PI to conceive and design the instrumentation, which will be based on free-space and fiber approaches, assist in specifying components required for these systems, create detailed engineering 3D drawings for them, drive the assembly, protocols for system control, and carry out full characterization and optimization of system performance.
• Design and simulation of instrumentation hardware by CAD software including SOLIDWORK–Development of signal and data acquisition systems for high speed, high throughput measurement and operation.

Other job requirements

Basic Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Required Documents

Hiring Range

78,190- $145,000 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 and .

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 .

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 .

Salary : $78,190 - $145,000