Roman Spectroscopy 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 dedicated 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 enhance discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. IPAC invites applications to the science staff from highly qualified individuals for one or more full-time positions, at the junior and senior scientist levels, to work with the Roman team at IPAC.

The 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 late 2026. 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 Survey, the High Latitude Wide Area Survey and the High Latitude Time Domain Survey. 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

Essential Job Duties

• Develop and test algorithms for wide-field, near-infrared, slitless spectroscopy 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).
• Conduct independent research.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD degree in astrophysics or a closely related field. Applicants should have at least three years of experience beyond the PhD.
• Experience with infrared and optical spectroscopy
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Beyond these basic qualifications, there are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of an IPAC Applications Developer. Any of the following might give you a head start here, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you!

• Demonstrated ability to work in an active team environment
• Experience with at least one of calibration and reduction of slitless spectroscopic data; simulation of spectroscopic survey data, analysis of emission line galaxy spectra.

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 March 1, 2023. Preferred start is date is August 2023 or earlier. Depending on start date, an initial remote working arrangement may be considered for up to three months.

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. Click here to read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

Caltech is committed to working with and providing access and reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical or mental disabilities. To request disability accommodations for any part of the interview or hiring process, please reach out to the contact on the job posting.

Caltech has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy effective October 15, 2021, requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees (with Institute-approved exemptions for religious or medical contraindications only). At present, an individual is deemed “fully vaccinated” when that person has received, at least 14 days prior, either the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series (e.g., Pfizer or Moderna) or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson). Upon eligibility, employees are required to receive the COVID-19 booster as part of the vaccine mandate. As a condition of employment, employees must submit official COVID-19 vaccine documentation. More information may be found here.