Staff Scientist Roman

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

IPAC, in the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to enhance discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. IPAC invites applications to the science staff from highly qualified individuals for a full-time position to work with the Roman team at IPAC.

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a NASA observatory designed to address key questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. It is slated for launch in the mid-2020’s. The Roman Science Support Center (SSC) at IPAC is a part of the Roman Ground Data System, providing algorithm and software development and data processing for the Galactic Bulge Time Domain, High Latitude Wide Area and the High Latitude Time Domain surveys. In addition, the SSC will support the operations of the Coronagraph Instrument, manage the Roman general and guest investigator proposal solicitations, and provide community support for exoplanet and wide-field spectroscopy science with Roman.

For more details, see: https://roman.ipac.caltech.edu

Job Details

• Develop and test algorithms for processing data from the Galactic Bulge Time Domain survey.
• Set and interpret requirements for pipeline modules.
• Work with software developers to implement and test pipeline modules.
• Write documentation for the pipeline and for the user community.
• Participate in meetings (virtual and in-person) with the community and the Roman team.
• Conduct independent research.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD degree in astrophysics or a closely related field.
• 1-2 years experience with astronomical data processing including at least one of the following: microlensing data processing and analysis, precision infrared photometry, time domain data analysis (may include PhD experience).
• Ability to work in a team environment, including good written and verbal communication skills.  
• Ability to collaborate with Roman partners distributed across many institutions.

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 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.

• Two years of post-PhD experience.
• Experience with exoplanet microlensing data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience in developing software for inclusion in automated pipelines.

Required Documents

• Full resume
• Cover letter
• List of three professional references 

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.

Applications will be considered starting Feb 15 with a deadline of March 7. Preferred start is date is April or May 2022. Depending on start date, an initial remote working arrangement may be considered for up to six months.

For more information and to apply, visit the online Caltech Career Center. Applications will only be accepted via the Caltech website.