Postdoctoral Scholar

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Monday, August 24, 2020
Archive Date: 
Monday, October 19, 2020
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Small Academic
Institution/Company: 
California Institute of Technology
Department Name: 
IPAC
City: 
Pasadena
State/Province: 
CA
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Applications are invited for 1-2 Postdoctoral Scholar positions in weak-lensing observational cosmology to work with Ranga-Ram Chary at IPAC/Caltech, Bomee Lee at KASI (S. Korea) and a team of scientists across the Country.

IPAC, is part of 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.

Position Details

You will work as part of a small team, with tasks including:

  • Calibrating the point spread function in different epochs of data-taking in wide-area, near-infrared datasets;
  • Generating shear-preserving coadds from near-infrared imaging data;
  • Generating shear catalogs and calibrating shear bias;
  • Developing a weak-lensing pipeline for Hubble near-infrared data which is scalable to Euclid;
  • Mapping dark matter distribution and performing a joint analysis with X-ray data;
  • Participating in meetings (virtual and in-person), including travel to Europe (when restrictions are lifted).

Skills and Qualifications

  • By the starting date, a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or equivalent, in an area relevant to the job details.
  • Ability to work in an active team environment, including good written and verbal communication.
  • Experience with weak lensing methods and space-based data (preferred). 

Required Documents

  • Full resume
  • Cover letter
  • Publication list
  • A summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages)
  • List of three professional references

Appointment Details

This is a two-year appointment, with an additional year available contingent on performance and funding. You will have access to Caltech observational facilities like Palomar. Application should be sent to [email protected] by 15 October 2020. Our preferred start date is Jan 2021 (negotiable, an earlier start would be possible). Depending on start date, an initial short-term remote working arrangement may be also be considered.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Click here to read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact us via the email above.

Application Deadline: 
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Ranga-Ram Chary