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Job Summary

The Biology and Biological Engineering Division at the California Institute of Technology seeks 1-2 highly motivated research technicians to assist with projects in virus engineering and technology development with the Gradinaru group (glab.caltech.edu).

The ideal applicant will be skilled in general molecular biology, tissue culture and histology techniques, as well as be organized, hard-working, and have excellent communication skills. The candidate will work under guidance from the supervisor and primarily in support of a variety of projects within the lab. If time permits, there will be opportunities to carry out independent research projects as well as participate in collaborative efforts with other labs, on and off campus.

The position is available immediately and the candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.

Job Duties

•  Molecular cloning using established and state-of-the-art techniques
• Cell culture for testing gene expression constructs and for recombinant virus production (adeno-associated viruses)
• Histology and immunostaining
• Under supervision, will perform experiments, collect data, and assist with analysis of data
• Will present findings to PI and Director
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required
• 2 years of relevant work experience
• Biology research lab experience
• Must have broad familiarity and hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology, modern cloning methods and primer and gene synthesis design
• Must have direct laboratory experience with mammalian tissue culture, cell transfection and general sterile technique
• Working knowledge of sequence analysis tools such as BLAST, SnapGene/DNA Star/Vector NTI and primer design software
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with the operation of standard lab equipment and with computer software for document generation and data analysis
• Excellent communication skills
• 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 and the ability to work with little supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with recombinant viral vectors under BSL2 conditions
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and microscopy
• Data analysis experience and quantitative skills

Required Documents

• Resume