Scientific Researcher

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jul 02, 2025
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary The Scientific Researcher supports the clinical translation of engineered protein circuits with a focus on early-stage startup preparation. Responsibilities include assisting with project development and coordination, helping PI with academic and translational grant writing, supporting communication with Caltech's Office of Technology Transfer for spinout preparation, and helping to organize meetings or correspondence with collaborators and industry partners. The Scientific Researcher supports the day-to-day activities of the Therapeutic Circuits Group in the Elowitz Lab at Caltech, including research coordination and lab organization. Essential Job Duties Assists PI in writing academic and translational grant proposals to support research and spinout objectives. Supports the PI and research team in planning the experimental and translational strategy for therapeutic protein circuits; helps organize subgroup efforts to stay aligned with clinical and commercial goals. Performs experiments in molecular biology, synthetic biology, and in vivo experiments; supports the development and optimization of experimental protocols with PI. Supervises and mentors graduate students and research technicians; coordinates group activities. Assists in drafting and coordinating provisional and full patent applications related to therapeutic circuit technologies. Coordinates interactions with Caltech's Office of Technology Transfer and external advisors to prepare technologies for startup launch. Presents work at conferences and seminars; supports collaborations by interacting with academic labs, biotech partners, and key opinion leaders in oncology and synthetic biology. Basic Qualifications PhD in Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline. Experience in molecular and synthetic biology, with demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex experiments. Experience in drafting and submitting grant proposals and IP filings. Strong communication skills, with experience giving scientific presentations and supporting external collaborations. Preferred Qualifications Publication(s) in therapeutic synthetic biology or related fields. Experience interfacing with technology transfer offices and biotech industry partners. Demonstrated ability to translate scientific research toward clinical or commercial goals. Prior experience supporting multi-person research teams and mentoring junior scientists. Experience with pre-clinical therapeutic development. Proven record of leadership in scientific project management, including managing teams and directing research strategy. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $60,000 - $82,500 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 benefits and staff perks. 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 eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. Disability Accommodations Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position. If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu. Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.