New

Senior Scientific Researcher

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jul 08, 2025
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 Senior Scientific Researcher in the GPS laboratories for stable isotope geochemistry will be responsible for designing and conducting analytical, experimental, and scholarly studies of diverse problems in the earth and planetary sciences, fundamental chemical physics of isotopes, and novel analytical methods and technologies. Essential Job Duties Collaborate with Principal Investigator(s) to determine direction of research projects in the fundamental and applied study of natural isotope distributions. Coordinate experiments to study, investigate, test, and/or resolve scientific problems. Partner with research groups across disciplines (i.e., geochemistry, geology, planetary science, chemistry, biology) and/or organizations (Caltech, JPL, and other collaborating institutions and corporate research partners) in developing novel isotope geochemistry tools and applying them to the study of experimental and natural samples. Conduct literature research; co-author result and/or present findings at meetings, scientific organizations, or conferences. Provide guidance and direction to graduate students, staff, and other researchers regarding direction of ongoing projects and interpretation of research result. Supervise summer research students, including SURF students and visitors from other institutions. Invent, innovate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory equipment and/or instruments, including gas source isotope ratio mass spectrometers of various designs, Orbitrap mass spectrometers of various designs, and vacuum apparatus for sample purification and experimental studies. Develop new analytical technologies and methods for isotope ratio analysis and provide expert advice on use of these instruments and protocols, including help with adapting them for use in other laboratories. Write proposals to obtain funding for novel new projects not currently run at Caltech. Innovation and creativity are essential. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications PhD in the earth sciences or an adjacent science or engineering discipline, and at least eight years of research experience following completion of a PhD. Evidence of original scholarly research in the form of peer-reviewed publications. Experience contributing to and leading components of cross-disciplinary scientific projects. Preferred Qualifications Experience mentoring students and junior scientists. Experience using and innovating analytical methods and technologies relevant to the study of isotopic contents and intramolecular structures of molecules. 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 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.