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Job Summary
Lead the design, development, and validation of a next-generation ultrasensitive immunoassay platform for early biomarker detection, working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to define research direction, experimental strategy, and translational applications.
Essential Job Duties
- Lead design and optimization of dual-amplification assay systems.
- Plan and execute experimental validation using recombinant proteins and complex biological samples (e.g., human serum).
- Develop and implement novel molecular amplification and detection strategies.
- Analyze, interpret, and guide quantitative data analysis, including assay performance metrics and modeling.
- Collaborate with the PI and external clinical/research partners to support translational objectives.
- Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant development.
Basic Qualifications
- PhD in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant scientific experience.
- Extensive experience in the design, development, and optimization of antibody-based protein detection assays.
- Demonstrated expertise in developing and optimizing high-sensitivity detection platforms for low-abundance targets in complex biological matrices.
- Strong background in molecular biology techniques and biochemical assay development.
- Proven experience with complex, multi-step assay workflows requiring careful optimization of signal-to-background ratio, specificity, and dynamic range.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with signal normalization, background correction, and assay reproducibility analysis.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments and collaborating across academic and translational settings.
- Demonstrated ability to independently lead research projects and develop experimental strategies from concept through validation.
- Experience working with automated staining or assay processing platforms, including optimization for reproducibility, robustness, and scalability across experimental runs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in biomarker assay development for clinical or translational research applications.
- Experience optimizing assay performance in complex biological matrices (e.g., serum or plasma), including sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility.
- Experience developing or refining assay workflows intended for broader adoption across research or preclinical settings.
- Demonstrated ability to bridge early-stage method development with downstream validation and application.
- Track record of innovation in assay development or molecular detection technologies, including contributions to publications, protocols, or platform development.
- Experience working in early-stage or startup environments, with demonstrated ability to develop and translate emerging assay technologies from concept to application.
Required Documents
Hiring Range
$38.00 - $71.00 per hour
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.
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California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
May 07, 2026