Staff Scientist

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.

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. IPAC invites applications to the science staff from highly qualified individuals for a full-time position to work with the Euclid team at IPAC.

Euclid is a European Space Agency (ESA) M-class mission to study the geometry and nature of the dark Universe. It is slated for launch in 2022. The Euclid mission has been optimized for the measurement of two probes sensitive to Dark Energy: (1) Weak Gravitational Lensing, and (2) Galaxy Clustering, including both Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations and Redshift Space Distortions. NASA has established the Euclid NASA Science Center at IPAC (ENSCI) in order to support US-based investigations using Euclid data. ENSCI will participate in the Euclid Consortium’s Science Ground Segment, providing algorithm and software development, participating in data quality assurance, and performing data processing. In addition, ENSCI will support the US research community by providing expert insight into the Euclid surveys, data processes, calibration, and products. For more details, see http://euclid.caltech.edu.

Job Details

- Develop and test algorithms for NIR spectroscopic measurements and calibration.

- 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), including travel to Europe (when restrictions are lifted).

- Conduct independent research, ideally aligned with Euclid science and ENSCI responsibilities.

Skills and Qualifications

- PhD degree in astrophysics or a closely related field, and at least three years of experience in infrared astronomy.

- Ability to work in an active team environment, including good written and verbal communication.

- Experience with dark energy research or methods and space-based data (preferred).

- Experience with infrared spectroscopy, especially including at least one of the following: analysis of emission line galaxies in low resolution spectra; simulation of infrared spectra; calibration of infrared spectroscopic data (preferred).

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.

Required Documents

- Full resume

- Cover letter

- List of three professional references

Application will be accepted via the Caltech website only until October 16, 2020. Preferred start is date is January 2021 or earlier. Depending on start date, an initial remote working arrangement may be considered for up to six months.

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 direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at [email protected].