Scientific Researcher
Posting Details
Classification Information
Classification
Scientific Research Assistant
Exempt/Overtime Eligible
Exempt
Position Information
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 Detail Information
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
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * What is the highest level of education you have completed?
- No GED/High School Diploma
- GED/High School Diploma
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Doctorate
- Other Professional Degree (e.g., JD or MD)
- * Do you have experience working within a biological laboratory, working with live cells, microscopy, sterile cell culture conditions, and are familiar with biosafety protocols and laser safety?
- yes
- no
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
None