Scientific Research and Administrative Assistant

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

 Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz is a pioneering developmental biologist and stem cell scientist. Her lab utilizes multidisciplinary approaches to study cell fate, symmetry breaking and self-organization in mouse and human embryos and their stem cell models that we are building from embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells. The lab is at the forefront of their field of research, publishing many high impact publications in journals such as Nature, Science and Cell. Given the broad interest in her field of study, she places a great deal of importance on science communication and translation to ensure that her research can both reach and be understood by a wide audience.

Our group website: https://zernickagoetzlab.com

The Zernicka-Goetz lab is recruiting for the position of Scientific Research and Administrative Assistant. This individual will work directly with Professor Zernicka-Goetz on a broad range of tasks within the lab. This key team member will participate in experiments on stem cells and embryos, technical writing, projects related to art in science, reporting for funding bodies, manage the lab’s website and social media, draft communications, schedule meetings and appointments for the Principal Investigator, and process travel and P-Card expenses. The ideal candidate is a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a scientific background, experience in scientific research, a passion for science communication, and organized to handle administrative tasks.

Essential Job Duties

• Participate in lab experiments on stem cells and embryos.
• Provide technical support to the students and postdocs in the lab.
• Participate in writing research proposals, lab protocols, reports, and scientific papers.
• Manage the lab’s website and social media with emphasis on scientific writing.
• Act as representative of the lab and primary contact for communications. Process and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Contribute to artistic projects such as figures for publications and exhibitions, and some experiments.
• Manages programs and events.
• Manage P-Card for Principal Investigator and submit reconciliations.
• Maintain calendars, schedule meetings and appointments.
• Manage travel and submit travel expenses for Principal Investigator and lab members.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field with 5 years of relevant experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Helpful, respectful, and excellent customer service skills.
• Enthusiastic about building strong working relationships and a positive work environment, flexibly and with ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in scientific writing.
• Experience with illustration software.
• PhD in biological sciences

Required Documents

• Resume