Research Technician

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Job Summary

The Elowitz Lab at Caltech is looking for a highly-motivated team member to work in our Synthetic Circuits Group on developing novel biological circuits with potential in fundamental and therapeutic applications. Our team works in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment. The ideal applicant has experience in molecular cloning and working independently. They must be well-organized, hard-working, and have excellent communication skills. As the project progresses, there may be an opportunity for the applicant to get involved in scientific discussion within the group and learn new skills and contribute more to an active project in collaboration with a group member.

Essential Job Duties

• PCR, cloning and mutagenesis, and plasmid preparation and associated record keeping. (80%)
• mRNA production using in-vitro transcription and associated record keeping. (20%)

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field.
• Must have worked in a biology research lab.
• Must possess a high level of initiative and the ability to work with little supervision.
• Highly organized and the ability to record experimental procedures, interpret, and report results with clarity.
• Excellent communication skills; willing to proactively seek help and advice.
• Hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR, restriction enzyme cloning, and Gibson assembly reaction.
• Broad interest in science.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Ability to multitask, track project progress, and keep accurate records.
• Experience designing constructs using Gibson and Golden- gate cloning strategies.
• Experience with PCR-based mutagenesis.
• Experience purifying mRNA from IVT synthesis.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with a rapid design-build-test approach.
• Perseverance and proven record of troubleshooting.
• Basic programming skills in Python.

Required Documents

• Resume