Research Assistant

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Job Summary

The California Institute of Technology Nonlinear Photonics Laboratory is seeking a Research Assistant to support ongoing experimental and numerical studies in integrated nonlinear photonics. The position involves working closely with graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and researchers on laboratory experiments, device characterization, data collection, and related research activities in photonics and optics.

Essential Job Duties

• Assist researchers with ongoing experimental studies in integrated nonlinear photonics
• Support optical experiments and characterization measurements in the laboratory
• Prepare, handle, and organize photonic samples and experimental components
• Operate and assist with optical and electrical measurement equipment
• Assist with data collection, analysis, and numerical simulations
• Help maintain laboratory organization, equipment, and experimental setups
• Work closely with researchers and participate in collaborative laboratory activities
• Follow laboratory safety and operational procedures
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Experience working with optical equipment and laboratory experiments
• Experience with electrical measurement equipment and basic laboratory instrumentation
• Experience with handling and preparation of photonic samples
• Ability to work collaboratively in a research laboratory environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with lithium niobate integrated photonics
• Familiarity with photonic device processing and characterization techniques
• Experience with optical experiments in nonlinear optics
• Familiarity with numerical simulations or data analysis tools relevant to photonics research

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$19\.00 to $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

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

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