Scientific Data Analyst NExScI

The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI) at Caltech has an immediate position for a Science Data Analyst on the NASA Exoplanet Archive.

NExScI (nexsci.caltech.edu), which is part of IPAC (www.ipac.caltech.edu) in the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground for the Exoplanet Community and NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program. The NASA Exoplanet Archive (exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu) is a key resource used by the astrophysical community to explore and study the bounty of exoplanets being discovered.

Job Duties

The NASA Exoplanet Archive is hiring a Scientific Data Analyst who will work with the engineering and scientific team members to make crucial contributions in maintaining an up-to-date database and archive content. The primary tasks will include collaboratively selecting, extracting, analyzing, and reformatting relevant data from the astrophysical literature and catalogs as well as from data contributed by NASA missions and exoplanet community members.

Your application should include your resume and a cover letter expressing your interest and describing how your recent work experience and accomplishments match the needs for this position.

Basic Qualifications

These are a set of skills and experiences which are necessary for your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of the job position:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in astronomy, physics, computer science, information sciences or another related field
• Proficiency with basic computer skills using Windows, Mac OS, or Linux/Unix
• Familiarity with basic programming and scripting tools such Python, perl, shell or related languages
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel, text editors, or related tools

Preferred Qualifications

These are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of the job position. The following attributes would make you a better fit for this position, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you:

• Basic knowledge of astronomical terminology particularly related to astronomical coordinate systems, nomenclature, observing techniques, or exoplanets
• Demonstrated ability to program or script in Python, perl, shell, or related languages

Required Documents 

• Resume

Life at Caltech/IPAC

IPAC is located on the campus of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California by the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Caltech is small, but has an extraordinary science impact, with 46 Nobel Prizes awarded to faculty and alumni.  Caltech manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA, the leading US center for the robotic exploration of the Solar System. Caltech also operates large-scale research facilities such as the Palomar and Keck Observatories, and LIGO, which in 2016 observed gravitational waves from colliding black holes for the first time.

Pasadena is a city known for its contributions to science and technology, and its rich history, cultural treasures, scenic beauty, and year-round comfortable weather create a desirable environment for life and ideas to thrive. See Bill Nye’s take on our city.

People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and lasting relationships. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. The program provides a strong base of coverage for you and your dependents, and the ability to choose the plan and the level of coverage that best meet your needs. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.

MORE INFORMATION AND FULL JOB POSTING MAY BE FOUND ON THE CALTECH CAREER CENTER