Classification

Scientific Research Assistant

Exempt/Overtime Eligible

Exempt

Posting Number

15492SP

Division/Department

Biology and Biological Engineering

Laboratory

Flow Cytometry & Cell Sorting Facility

Work Location (City, State or Country)

Pasadena, CA

Functional Title

Scientific Researcher

Job Category

Fulltime Regular

Benefits Eligible?

Yes

Relocation Available?

No

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Employment Start Date

Immediate

Anticipated Salary Range

Job Summary

Collaborates with Principal Investigators and their students in the design of experiments utilizing the complex instrumentation provided by the Caltech Flow Cytometry Cell Sorting Facility. Independently perform all cell sorting and analyses for these experiments.

Guide investigators on interpretation of data generated. Responsible for all instrumentation.

Job Duties

• Will be trained to independently perform custom scientific experiments on SONY Synergy 3200 Cell Sorter. Interact and collaborate with Principal Investigators and their students within Caltech (5 Divisions) and outside institutions. Assess needs of the experiment and design custom instrument configurations and modifications to accommodate experiments including laser set-up and alignment, preparation of fluidics, detector and electronic parameters, collection devices and software templates to meet these needs.

• Conduct analyses of cellular experiments on the SONY Synergy 3200 Cell Sorter and or Miltenyi VYB flow cytometer. Reduce data for researchers using the facility. Responsible for all electronic data and printouts presented to researchers at the conclusion of the experiment as well as the sample products generated from the instrument. Maintain database of all experimental files, export data to investigators, and perform periodic backups for all experiments for storage and retrieval of data.

• Train and provide guidance to investigators on instrument capabilities and compatibilities, experimental set-up, probe panels, experimental and machine controls, titrations, cell dilutions, region and gate placement, data interpretation. Work with research groups to optimize future experiments. Create publication data for investigators publications and presentations.

• Organize scheduling for instrumentation to accommodate each investigator’s time lines, source material and sterility requirements (bacteria, yeast, cells each require different modes of cleaning to prevent cross contamination from one experiment to another). Develop new or revised techniques by collaborating with investigators and analyzing performance of pilot research protocols for instrument qualification and problem solving prior to actual sorting of cells.

• Responsible for performance and maintenance of instruments including daily calibration and standardization, troubleshooting, record keeping for tracking instrument and quality control. Oversee manufacturer field service engineers during repairs, instrument updates and software upgrades, preventive maintenance, and supplying investigators with information in support of their projects.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.

• Experience working within biological laboratory, working with live cells, microscopy, sterile cell culture conditions, familiar with biosafety protocols and laser safety.

• Must have good people skills, communication skills, patience, and must be adaptable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship or manufacturer training in flow cytometric instrumentation.

• Experience with antibody multicolor panels and spectral compensation.

• Knowledge of fluorochrome spectral data.

• Proficiency in computers both PC and MAC and flow cytometry standard file structure, analysis programs such as Flowjo.

Supervisory position?

Yes

Posting Open Date

11/18/2015

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 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. For more information about “EEO is the Law” click here: EEO is the Law

Special Instructions to Applicants