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.

With NASA support, IPAC is responding to the Astro2020 Decadal Review recommendation of a Time-Domain and Multi-Messenger Astronomy program (TDAMM). We invite your application for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in this area to work with Professor George Helou on the analysis of existing visible-to-infrared data sets such as the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) or WISE/NEOWISE, and the planning for anticipated time-domain data sets.

Caltech and IPAC are heavily engaged in a variety of time-domain programs, including ZTF and NEOWISE. You will be encouraged to interact with such activities in order to broaden your science program and remain abreast of latest scientific and technical developments. Most recently Prof Helou’s time-domain research has been in AGN/galaxy variability and in thermal dust echoes in the Milky Way, but your research may address a wider range of topics. Your research will benefit from a considerable number of computing tools and resources that are already in place.

ZTF is a time-domain survey of the sky using a 47 square degree camera on the Samuel Oschin 48-inch Schmidt telescope at Palomar, and a data system with advanced transient, variable and moving object discovery capability. ZTF scans more than 3750 square degrees an hour to a depth of 20.5 mag, with a variety of sky coverage schemes and cadences. NEOWISE is an on-going all-sky survey from low Earth orbit at 3.4 and 4.6 µm operating since 2013 as a Near-Earth Object finding mission and a continuation of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). NEOWISE provides unique time-domain astrophysics survey data.

A fraction of your time will be allocated for independent research, preferably in time-domain astronomy, and utilizing resources at Caltech and IPAC.  You will have access to significant follow-up resources using telescopes at Palomar and the Keck Observatories.

Required Documents

• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position (limited to one page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Publication list
• Contact information for three professional references
• Summary of previous, current and anticipated research relevant to this opening (limited to three pages)

Appointment Details

• The appointment will be for two years, with a possible extension for an additional year, subject to the availability of funds.
• Application materials should be addressed to Prof George Helou and sent to [email protected].  
• Complete applications submitted by February 28, 2023 will receive full consideration, but review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified.
• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in planetary sciences, astrophysics, or related field by the starting date (July 2023 or earlier).

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).

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