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Scientific Researcher

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Oct 15, 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 Term position for a Research Scientist to pursue research projects using Orbitrap-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (Orbitrap-IRMS) and computational approaches to interrogate the intramolecular isotopic compositions of organic compounds from terrestrial, extraterrestrial, and synthetic analogue materials. The Research Scientist will assist with the technical and operational aspects of the Orbitrap-based mass spectrometers in the Laboratories for Stable Isotope Geochemistry, provide technical training to lab members, and contribute to the design and build of novel instrumentation for isotope ratio analysis. The Research Scientist will also contribute to or lead the writing of scientific manuscripts for publication. Essential Job Duties Investigate the intramolecular isotopic compositions of various organic compounds in terrestrial, extraterrestrial, and synthetic analogue materials. Develop computational approaches to investigate high-dimensionality isotopic properties in organic compounds. Contribute to the design and build of novel analytical instrumentation and/or components to modify existing instrumentation for isotope ratio analyses. Manage and maintain Orbitrap-based mass spectrometers. Provide technical training to lab members. Lead or otherwise contribute to the writing of manuscripts for publication in relevant peer-reviewed journals. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications Ph.D. in Chemistry, Geochemistry, or a closely related field. A minimum of three years of post-doctoral experience. Knowledgeable in organic chemistry, physical chemistry, stable isotope geochemistry, principles of mass spectrometric analysis. Ability to work independently. Experience maintaining laboratory instrumentation and equipment, particularly mass spectrometers. Proficiency in organic wet chemistry laboratory procedures. Proficiency in stable isotope analyses of organic compounds. Experience with isotopic box modeling, numerical simulations, and statistical analysis. Demonstration of effective communication of scientific and technical results (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations). Preferred Qualifications Ph.D., Chemistry, Geochemistry, or a related field. A minimum of five years of post-doctoral experience. Required knowledge plus experience with one or more of the following systems: hydrocarbon chemistry, petroleum geochemistry, or their extraterrestrial equivalents. Experience using Orbitrap-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry for compound-specific and intramolecular analyses of complex organic compounds. Experience with the application of computational chemistry methods to problems in isotope geochemistry. Familiarity with custom instrumentation design and construction. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $79,700 to $112,500 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.