New

Scientific Researcher

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Oct 29, 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 Ozturk Lab is seeking an Associate Scientific Researcher to serve as a co-investigator in research on prebiotic (geo) chemistry and the origins of life. The 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 Scientific Researcher will lead a project and develop custom-designed tools to study the post-impact conditions of early Earth's atmosphere and its photochemical evolution, with the goal of understanding the formation of feedstock molecules that could have set the stage for prebiotic chemistry. The Scientific Researcher will also assist with the technical and operational aspects of the lab, provide technical training to lab members, and actively contribute to other ongoing research projects in alignment with the lab's research program. Essential Job Duties Lead the construction of an experimental system simulating post-impact conditions of early Earth atmospheres. Develop custom-designed tools to study the post-impact conditions of early Earth's atmosphere and its photochemical evolution. Ensure proper maintenance and functionality of laboratory instruments and equipment. Assist with the technical and operations of the lab, provide technical training to lab members, and actively contribute to other ongoing research projects in alignment with the lab's research program. Train graduate students and junior researchers on experimental techniques, data acquisition, and data interpretation. Conduct literature reviews and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and conference presentations. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications Ph.D. in experimental Physics, Chemical Engineering, Space Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, or a closely related field. A minimum of three (3) years of postdoctoral research experience in academic, industrial, or national laboratory settings. Familiarity with wet chemistry experiments and anoxic glovebox maintenance. Familiarity with IR spectroscopy, optical cavities, and analytical chemistry techniques. 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 experimental research on Atmospheric Chemistry / Cosmochemistry / Geochemistry / origins of life. Has worked as an engineer or senior scientist or lab manager. Experience with laser spectroscopy and NMR. Has served as a lab manager or technical staff at a research laboratory. Has taught and/or mentored students and junior researchers. 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.