Pasadena, California, United States · On-site
$27/hr–$32/hr
Carnegie Science is dedicated to scientific exploration to advance investigation, research, and discovery, and apply that knowledge for the improvement of humankind. Position Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and…
Skills: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Aseptic Techniques, Microbial Culturing, DNA/RNA Extraction
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The role focuses on establishing and maintaining new research laboratory spaces, including inventory management and safety compliance. Additionally, the technician provides technical support for microbiological and molecular biology experiments across three research groups.
A Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, or a related field is required. Candidates should have experience in microbiology and molecular biology laboratory settings, specifically with aseptic techniques and microbial culturing.
Carnegie Science is dedicated to scientific exploration to advance investigation, research, and discovery, and apply that knowledge for the improvement of humankind.
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Laboratory Technician to join three recently relocated research laboratories to Caltech, Pasadena. Our groups study a diverse range of photosynthetic microorganisms and microbial communities using a combination of microbiological, molecular, genomic, imaging, and computational approaches.
As a key member of our laboratories, you will play an important role in establishing and maintaining our new research spaces while supporting scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and students with a wide variety of laboratory activities. This position is ideal for an organized, proactive individual who enjoys working in a collaborative, fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge microbial and environmental biology research.
Assist with the organization, setup, and optimization of newly relocated laboratory spaces.
Establish and maintain inventories of laboratory supplies, reagents, consumables, and equipment.
Coordinate purchasing, receiving, and stocking of laboratory materials.
Coordinate pickups for laboratory waste.
Maintain laboratory records, protocols, and safety documentation.
Help ensure compliance with institutional safety and regulatory requirements.
Prepare media, buffers, reagents, and stock solutions.
Culture, maintain, and monitor photosynthetic microorganisms and other microbial strains.
Assist with routine microbiological experiments and sample processing.
Support molecular biology workflows, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and library preparation.
Assist with sample collection, preservation, and archiving.
Maintain laboratory instruments and coordinate service and repairs when needed.
Monitor growth chambers, incubators, freezers, and other shared laboratory equipment.
Ensure proper calibration and operation of laboratory instruments.
Provide technical assistance to researchers across all three laboratories.
Help train new laboratory members in standard laboratory procedures.
Assist with data organization, record keeping, and protocol documentation.
Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to a collaborative research environment.
Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Experience working in microbiology, molecular biology, or related laboratory settings.
Familiarity with aseptic techniques and microbial culturing.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
Experience culturing photosynthetic microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, algae, or other environmental microbes.
Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and sequencing workflows.
Experience with laboratory inventory management and ordering systems.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and regulatory compliance.
Experience supporting multiple research groups in a shared laboratory environment.
The opportunity to work with a diverse and collaborative team of scientists.
Exposure to a wide range of cutting-edge microbiological, biochemical, molecular, and ecological research techniques.
Professional development opportunities in a dynamic research environment.
A chance to help build and shape newly established laboratory facilities and operations.
Please submit:
A cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience.
A current curriculum vitae or résumé.
Contact information for 2–3 professional references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Disability Accommodations:
If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Carnegie Recruiting at [email protected].
We are dedicated to scientific discovery and supporting exceptional individuals in an atmosphere of independence.
Carnegie scientists are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, Earth & planetary science, astronomy, and global ecology. They seek answers to questions about the structure of the universe; the formation of our Solar System and other planetary systems; the behavior and transformation of matter when subjected to extreme conditions; the origin of life; the effects of climate change on forests, oceans, and other habitats; the function of plant, animal, and microbial genomes; and the development of organisms from single-celled eggs to adults. Andrew Carnegie founded our organization in 1902 as a place for scientific discovery. His intention was for the institution to be home to exceptional individuals—men and women with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields. We are headquartered in Washington, D.C. and have three scientific divisions split between the coasts, as well as observatories in Chile. We are an endowed, independent, nonprofit institution. Significant additional support comes from federal grants and private donations. A board of trustees, consisting of leaders in business, the sciences, education, and public service, oversees Carnegie’s operations. Each of division has its own scientific director who manages under the leadership of President Eric Isaacs.
Offices: 1530 P Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, US · 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA 94305, US · 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, US · 813 Santa Barbara Street, Pasadena, CA 91101, US · 5241 and 5251 Broad Branch Road, NW, Washington, DC 20015, US
We are dedicated to scientific discovery and supporting exceptional individuals in an atmosphere of independence.
Carnegie scientists are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, Earth & planetary science, astronomy, and global ecology. They seek answers to questions about the structure of the universe; the formation of our Solar System and other planetary systems; the behavior and transformation of matter when subjected to extreme conditions; the origin of life; the effects of climate change on forests, oceans, and other habitats; the function of plant, animal, and microbial genomes; and the development of organisms from single-celled eggs to adults. Andrew Carnegie founded our organization in 1902 as a place for scientific discovery. His intention was for the institution to be home to exceptional individuals—men and women with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields. We are headquartered in Washington, D.C. and have three scientific divisions split between the coasts, as well as observatories in Chile. We are an endowed, independent, nonprofit institution. Significant additional support comes from federal grants and private donations. A board of trustees, consisting of leaders in business, the sciences, education, and public service, oversees Carnegie’s operations. Each of division has its own scientific director who manages under the leadership of President Eric Isaacs.
Offices: 1530 P Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, US · 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA 94305, US · 3520 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, US · 813 Santa Barbara Street, Pasadena, CA 91101, US · 5241 and 5251 Broad Branch Road, NW, Washington, DC 20015, US
