1

Caltech Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$79K - $115K/yr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Minchew's research group. The focus of these efforts will be to understand the slowdown and ...

Administrative Assistant

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

This individual will interact with various departments and programs on campus and leverage cutting-edge automation and AI tools to support the ambitious goals of Caltech research laboratories. This ...

Research Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Primary work will be with others but may also involve independent research. Publications outlining ...

Research Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Job Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician with ...

Research Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... The successful candidate will assist a multidisciplinary research team on one or more projects to ...

Research Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$79K - $95K/yr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Collaborates with researchers at USC in their development of a pipeline for astrometric ...

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Relevant research experience of 5 years. * Bring experience with prototyping, executing, and ...

Senior Research Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$29.75 - $37.25/hr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... We are seeking a Senior Research Associate to join our team and help us accomplish this research ...

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... As a Research Engineer in the LIGO Laboratory, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills ...

Data Science Engineering

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$40.50 - $64/hr

Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary The data science engineer will work closely with the PI and his research group to develop computational and data-driven methods ...

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering research and education institution, as well as a thriving community of curious and passionate individuals who collaborate to understand and solve ...

Laboratory Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... for the lab's research team. A core part of the role is maintaining state-of-the-art ...

Job Summary Caltech's Office of Communications and External Relations (OCER) is responsible for amplifying awareness of the Institute's research, people, accomplishments, and impact across print and ...

... research, and scholarship in perpetuity. Reporting to the Executive Director, Annual Giving Programs, the Annual Giving Specialist acts as the central operations hub for the Caltech Fund. The ...

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Our diverse portfolio of research archives includes multi-petabyte datasets like the NASA/IPAC ...

EMC Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$97K - $160K/yr

The role can be based at either the Caltech campus or the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO, a world class facility operated by Caltech for research in radio astronomy, located near Bishop in ...

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... and research staff. This is a part-time, 30-hour-per-week position. The functional title will be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Caltech Research information

See California salary details

$10

$34

$69

How much do caltech research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for caltech research in California is $34.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.19 and $43.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caltech researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caltech Researcher, you generally need an advanced degree (such as a PhD), strong analytical skills, and a solid background in your scientific or engineering discipline. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python), and research publication systems is essential. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication skills help researchers excel in dynamic, multidisciplinary environments. These competencies are crucial for producing innovative research, publishing impactful findings, and contributing to Caltech's reputation for scientific excellence.

How do Caltech research positions typically foster collaboration across disciplines?

Caltech research roles are known for their highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. Researchers often work closely with faculty, postdocs, and students from different departments—such as physics, engineering, biology, and chemistry—to tackle complex scientific questions. This structure encourages frequent cross-departmental meetings, shared lab resources, and joint projects, providing a unique opportunity to broaden your expertise and contribute to innovative solutions. As a result, team members regularly develop both their technical and communication skills while building a strong professional network.

What is the difference between Caltech Research vs Caltech Research Assistant?

AspectCaltech ResearchCaltech Research Assistant
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in relevant field, specialized research experienceBachelor's degree, some research experience preferred
Work EnvironmentIndependent research, collaboration with faculty and scientistsSupportive role, assisting senior researchers and labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, scientific labsAcademic labs, research centers, university departments
Common Search & ComparisonHigher-level research roles, specialized expertiseEntry-level research support, assisting ongoing projects

Caltech Research positions typically require advanced degrees and involve independent research, while Caltech Research Assistants support research activities under supervision. The former focuses on conducting experiments and publishing findings, whereas the latter provides essential assistance to research teams. Both roles are integral to scientific progress but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is a Caltech research?

A Caltech research position typically refers to a role at the California Institute of Technology that involves conducting scientific or engineering investigations, experiments, or studies. These positions can range from undergraduate research assistants to postdoctoral scholars and faculty researchers. They often involve working closely with faculty members in a specific field, such as physics, biology, engineering, or chemistry. Caltech research positions are renowned for their focus on innovation, rigorous methodology, and contributions to groundbreaking discoveries. Individuals in these roles are expected to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their discipline.
What cities in California are hiring for Caltech Research jobs? Cities in California with the most Caltech Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Caltech Research job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,209 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Research Scientist

Caltech

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$79K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

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 Research Scientist will conduct numerical ice-flow modeling experiments in support of research within Prof. Minchew's research group. The focus of these efforts will be to understand the slowdown and eventual stagnation of Kamb Ice Stream, West Antarctica, and how we might leverage these processes to stabilize other areas of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The efforts will begin small, with relatively simple model setups, and grow in ambition and scale as we learn.
Essential Job Duties
  • Conduct numerical ice flow modeling experiments, using MALI and ISSM, as a central part of the broader effort to understand how we might stabilize the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. This work was explicitly funded by the Grantham Foundation for the stated purposes.
  • These results will inform and be informed by theoretical and observational work being conducted in Prof Minchew's group. As a result, clear and frequent communication of these results is essential.
  • Develop numerical models of increasing complexity to capture the relevant physical processes at the beds of glaciers and how pumping water and heat from glacier beds can influence the flow speed and stability of glaciers in West Antarctica.
  • Submit quarterly reports on progress and challenges.
  • Provide technical assistance to other members of Prof. Minchew's research group.
  • Present results at scientific conferences.
  • Publish results in the scholarly literature.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
  • PhD plus 5 years of experience.
  • Expertise in large-scale numerical ice-sheet modeling.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the physics of glacier flow and hydrology.
  • Strong scientific publication record.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Remote sensing observations used to constrain numerical ice flow models.
  • Inverse theory and ML/AI tools.
Required Documents
  • Resume

Hiring Range
$79,700 to $115,000 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.