Scientific Research - Lab Technician

Carnegie Science is dedicated to scientific exploration to advance investigation, research, and discovery, and apply that knowledge for the improvement of humankind.

Position Summary:
The Cao Lab (https://mengcao.wixsite.com/wormbact) at Carnegie Institution for Science, division of biosphere sciences and engineering (https://carnegiescience.edu/bse), located on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, CA. We seek one self-motivated and highly responsible research technician to join our team. Our lab focuses on the symbiosis between the insect-parasitic nematode Steinernema hermaphroditum and its mutualistic bacterium Xenorhabdus griffiniae. The technician aims to facilitate the development of genetic and synthetic biology tools to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying nematode-bacteria communication and explore their applications in biosphere engineering.
The selected candidates will be joining a start-up laboratory within a larger research community, with many opportunities to present their work and interact with Carnegie and Caltech. Dr. Cao is committed to the professional development of all hires, with opportunities available to participate in scientific writing, mentorship, and outreach activities. Depending on the funding availability, hires also may have opportunities to attend and present their research at conferences.
This is a full-time and wet-lab position offering a competitive salary and benefits. We are looking to fill this role starting in the summer of 2025. This position is one year with possibilities of extension based on performance and the availability of the position.
This position is ideal for candidates with prior experience as a lab technician or in an equivalent research role. Candidates who recently graduated (or will be) graduating from college are encouraged to apply too.

Essential Functions:

• Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in managing the laboratory.
• Support postdoctoral researcher and student in their research projects.
• Manage multiple tasks in a small research group. Including performing laboratory procedures, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to the overall lab operations.
• Maintain a predictable work schedule and execute assigned tasks reliably.
• Exhibit critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.
• Prepare solutions and reagents for the lab.
• Conduct essential and routine laboratory procedures, including animal and bacteria maintenance, sample preparation, record-keeping, analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Assist the PI in managing lab purchases and organization.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment as needed.
• Collaborate with and support other lab personnel on research projects.
• Maintain a safe and clean laboratory environment by following proper safety protocols.
• Participate in training and professional development to stay current in the field.
• Maintain strict compliance of animal husbandry protocols and Caltech IACUC standards.
• Train others as needed on animal facility and husbandry duties.
• Prepare solutions and reagents for the lab.
• Animals and bacteria maintenance, sample preparation, record-keeping, analysis, and interpretation of results.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or holding a degree in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, synthetic biology, or a related scientific field.
• Prior laboratory experience especially in animal maintenance and a track record of managing wet-lab responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in molecular cloning (prefer experience in synthetic biology).
• Prior experience in microinjection in animals.
• Experience working with emerging model organisms.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Awareness of the critical aspects of laboratory safety
• Resilience in technology development
• Detail oriented, highly organized, and highly responsible
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Compliance to laboratory guidelines.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Routinely stoops and bends
• Routinely reaches and grasps with arms and hands above head
• Routinely stands for long periods
• Occasionally lifts, pushes and/or carries objects weighing up to 60 pounds
• Routinely is in contact with wet lab materials

Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.