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Join to apply for the Senior Scientific Researcher role at Caltech

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 Ozturk Lab is seeking a Senior Scientific Researcher to serve as a co-investigator in research on prebiotic (geo) chemistry and the origins of life.

This position is part of an interdisciplinary environment that integrates geosciences, chemistry, and physics to investigate fundamental questions about the emergence of life on Earth and beyond. The Senior Scientific Researcher will assist with the technical and operational aspects of the lab, serve as a laboratory manager, provide technical training to lab members, and actively contribute to ongoing research projects. In addition to contributing to experimental research and interdisciplinary collaborations, the Senior Scientific Researcher will be encouraged to pursue independent research directions aligned with the lab's goals.

Essential Job Duties

• Ensure proper maintenance and functionality of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Lead the construction of a flow chemistry system simulating prebiotic chemical environments.
• Investigate the chemistry of iron and sulfur in relation to origins of life.
• Train graduate students and junior researchers on experimental techniques, data acquisition, and data interpretation.
• Collaborate with PIs to define research directions and work with interdisciplinary teams to develop experimental protocols, measurement standards, and data analysis pipelines.
• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and conference presentations.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Geosciences, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of eight years of research experience in academic, industrial, or national laboratory settings.
• Familiarity with wet chemistry experiments and anoxic glovebox maintenance.
• Familiarity with custom instrumentation design and construction.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental research and a strong track record of scientific communication (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, presentations).
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-bachelor level research on origins of life.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Background in iron and sulfur geochemistry.
• Experience with flow NMR, microfluidics, or continuous-flow chemical systems.
• Experience with organic synthesis.
• Has taught and/or mentored students and junior researchers.
• Has served as a lab manager or technical staff at a research laboratory.
  
  

Required Documents

• Resume
  
  

Hiring Range

$90,000 to $145,000 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

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

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

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Research Services

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