Postdoctoral Scholar

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. IPAC, 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.

We invite applications for talented researchers who will work with Dr. Joseph Masiero, Deputy PI of the NEOWISE mission, to study the physical and dynamical properties of asteroids and comets using data from the NEOWISE survey, both as individual objects and as an ensemble population.  NEOWISE has been surveying the sky continuously since 2013 and has amassed over 1.3 million thermal infrared measurements of small bodies in the solar system.  The data and results from NEOWISE studies are also being used to support the development of the upcoming NEO Surveyor mission.  IPAC serves as the WISE/NEOWISE Science Data Center and hosts the mission data archive, and will serve the same role for NEO Surveyor. 

The postdoctoral position has a 2-year term, with a possible extension for an additional year.  Prospective applicants should hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Planetary Science or Astronomy and have demonstrated a strong record of scientific publication.  The successful applicant will be encouraged to maintain an active research program of their own design. The position includes support for publication charges and conference travel. IPAC staff and postdocs have access to observing facilities including the Palomar 5-meter telescope and Las Cumbres Observatory through a competitive proposal process.

To apply, please submit a CV, Research Statement, and contact information for three professional references to [email protected]. Applications received by February 28, 2023 will receive full consideration, but review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified. For questions, please contact Dr. Joseph Masiero at [email protected].

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