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 from talented researchers in extragalactic astrophysics. You will work with Drs. Philip Appleton, George Helou and a team of international collaborators on research involving observations of the multi-phase interstellar and intergalactic medium (hot, warm and cool H2, ionized gas and dust) in galaxies. Specifically, the research will be aimed at studying the highly turbulent multi-phase intergalactic medium in Stephan’s Quintet, utilizing existing HST and JWST imaging data, and new (GO2) JWST MIRI IFU and deep high-resolution ALMA CO data. The work will also extend to AGN environments, where warm molecular hydrogen can provide insight into the injection of mechanical energy from the AGN into the host galaxy. You will be closely involved in the data reduction, analysis and interpretation of the JWST and ALMA observations with the aim of understanding how large-scale shocks and turbulence in extragalactic systems dissipate energy through the different gas phases, and how this influences star formation.

In addition, you will also have a fraction of their time for independent research and will have access to observing facilities including Palomar.

Qualifications and Experience

• Prior research experience in extragalactic astronomy with space and/or ground-based imaging/spectroscopic data (especially Spitzer, Herschel, HST, JWST and ALMA observations), with an interest in gas-phase astrophysics and star formation. 
• Experience with effectively working in a team environment is preferred.
• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in astronomy, physics or a related field in an area relevant to the responsibilities by the starting date (Spring 2024)

Appointment Details

• This appointment is for two years, and an additional year is possible contingent on performance and additional funding availability.
• Applications submitted by January 10, 2024 will receive full consideration, but review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified. Applications should be addressed to Dr. Phil Appleton and submited via email to [email protected].

Required Documents

• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Publication list
• Contact information of 3 professional references
• Summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages).

Hiring Range

Starting at $69,000 per annum

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 benefits and staff perks. 

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

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at [email protected].