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Insect Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caltech

Research Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Maintain and passage insect cells (Sf9 and Hi5) and mammalian cell cultures under sterile ... Support researchers with other tasks as needed. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Biology ...

Revvity

Research Associate I - Tissue Culture

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.10 - $29.50/hr

Job Title Research Associate I - Tissue Culture Location(s) San Diego - BioLegend About Us Revvity ... Maintain mammalian and insect cell cultures * Transfect/transduce cells and manage production runs

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Insect Research information

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$10

$28

$59

How much do insect research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for insect research in California is $28.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $35.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in insect research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Insect Research, you generally need a degree in entomology, biology, or a related field, along with strong skills in scientific research, data analysis, and fieldwork. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, microscopy, genetic analysis tools, and data management systems is often required, and additional certifications in pest management or research methodologies may be advantageous. Attention to detail, critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration are valuable soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are essential to conduct rigorous research, accurately interpret results, and share findings effectively within scientific and practical applications.

What is an insect research?

An Insect Research job involves studying insects' behavior, genetics, ecology, and interactions with the environment. Researchers may work in agriculture, conservation, pest control, or medical fields to understand insect roles and impacts. Duties often include fieldwork, data collection, lab experiments, and publishing findings. This research helps in biodiversity conservation, pest management, and disease prevention.

What are typical daily tasks for someone working in insect research?

Insect researchers commonly split their time between fieldwork, where they collect insect specimens or observe behaviors in natural habitats, and laboratory work, which involves analyzing samples, conducting experiments, and recording data. They may use specialized equipment such as microscopes, DNA sequencers, and data analysis software, as well as collaborate with other researchers or support staff. Regular responsibilities also include reviewing scientific literature, preparing reports, and presenting research findings to stakeholders or at conferences. This blend of field, lab, and analytical activities offers variety and hands-on engagement, making the role ideal for those who enjoy both outdoor and scientific work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Insect Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Insect Research jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Insect Research jobs in California? For Insect Research jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Insect Research jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Insect Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Insect Research jobs? Cities in California with the most Insect Research job openings:
Insect Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Insect Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,599 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Research Technician

Caltech

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 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
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician with extensive hands-on experience in insect cell culture (Sf9 and Hi5) using the baculovirus expression system and mammalian cell culture across diverse cell lines. The successful candidate will support ongoing structural and functional studies of protein complexes by producing high-quality recombinant proteins in both insect and mammalian systems.
Essential Job Duties
  • Generate bacterial, insect cell, and mammalian expression constructs (basic molecular cloning techniques required).
  • Maintain and passage insect cells (Sf9 and Hi5) and mammalian cell cultures under sterile conditions.
  • Generate and amplify recombinant baculoviruses for protein expression in Sf9 and Hi5 cells.
  • Transfect and maintain various mammalian cell lines (e.g., HEK293, HTC116, Vero, HeLa) for transient and stable expression.
  • Optimize expression protocols for high-yield protein production in both systems.
  • Perform small- and large-scale protein expression experiments.
  • Harvest cells and assist with downstream, protein purification (modern chromatography methods).
  • Perform immunofluorescence microscopy to assess protein localization.
  • Conduct SDS-PAGE gel analysis and western blotting, as part of routine experiments.
  • Maintain detailed records of all experiments, protocols, and cell line inventories.
  • Participate in general lab maintenance (organization, restocking, and generating shared reagents).
  • Support researchers with other tasks as needed.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
  • 2 years of hands-on experience with Sf9 and/or Hi5 cell culture and baculovirus-based protein expression.
  • Proficiency in aseptic technique and routine mammalian cell culture.
  • Familiarity with restriction enzyme cloning, western blotting, SDS-PAGE gel analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, protein purification.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience scaling up insect and/or mammalian cultures using flasks.
  • Familiarity with serum-free media, virus titering, and MOI optimization.
  • Understanding of basic molecular cloning and transfection techniques.
  • Protein purification abilities are a plus but not necessary.
  • Prior experience in academic or industrial protein production environments.
Required Documents
  • Resume

Hiring Range
$19.00 - $25.75 per hour
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.

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