Job SummaryIPAC at Caltech invites applications for a Task Lead of the team that develops and operates the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive (IRSA). As Task Lead you will work closely with the IRSA Science Lead and IPAC management in the overall management of the development, test, and operations for IRSA.
IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech (www.caltech.edu), partners with NASA, NSF, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL, operated for NASA by Caltech), and the world-wide research community to advance exploration of our universe. IPAC provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground.
IRSA (https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu) is the steward of scientific data sets delivered by NASA's Astrophysics missions. IRSA enables transformative scientific research using data from these and other missions by ingesting petabyte-scale imaging datasets, maintaining multi-billion row databases, and developing and deploying a variety of tools for accessing, visualizing, and analyzing data from cutting-edge astronomical facilities. IRSA supports past, current and upcoming NASA astrophysics missions including: SPHEREx, the NASA Astrophysics Explorer mission which is conducting a spectroscopic, infrared survey of the entire sky; Euclid, a European Space Agency (ESA) mission to study the geometry and nature of the dark Universe, and NEO Surveyor, a NASA Planetary Defense mission scheduled to launch in 2027 that is optimized to detect, track, and characterize solar system small bodies that pose a potential risk to the Earth. Additionally, IRSA provides archive services for NASA's SOFIA airborne observatory, and the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF, https://www.ztf.caltech.edu), an NSF-supported time domain survey led by Caltech.
Essential Job DutiesAs the IRSA Task Lead, you will report to the IPAC Manager and work with the IRSA Science Lead to:
- Manage the budget, schedule, and staffing for IRSA. Advertise for and oversee the hiring of new staff.
- Plan and track IRSA development, testing, and operations at IPAC
- Report IRSA status to IPAC Management and NASA HQ
- Work with IRSA's data providers, typically space- and ground-based astronomy telescope facilities, to understand and interpret needs, and manage technical interfaces.
- Coordinate with other NASA Archives, both inside and external to IPAC.
- Represent IRSA in external meetings and conferences, including ADASS, IVOA, AAS, as well as at NASA topical meetings.
- Supervise team leads and other staff, providing performance feedback, career coaching, and leadership mentoring.
Basic QualificationsIf you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:
- 8+ years of experience relevant to software development and data systems operations
- Master's degree or equivalent training/certification relevant to this position.
- Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to function well with frequent interruptions, and manage multiple and conflicting deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience in task management, including familiarity with project management tools.
- Experience supervising a technical team.
- In accordance with ITAR (22 CFR Parts 120-130), candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is defined as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or an individual granted refugee or asylum status in the United States.
Preferred QualificationsBeyond 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 facilities coordinator. 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:
- Experience with astronomical data.
- Experience dealing with large scale data transfers, computing tasks, and maintaining long-term integrity of data sets.
- Experience with software systems engineering.
- Experience with systems administration.
- Familiarity with cloud computing and virtualized compute environments, i.e., kubernetes.
Required Documents- Cover Letter.
- Resume.
- Names and Contact information of 3 professional references.
Life at IPACIPAC is located on the campus of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California by the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Caltech is small, but has an extraordinary science impact, with 41 Nobel Prizes awarded to faculty and alumni. Caltech manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA, the leading US center for the robotic exploration of the Solar System. Caltech also operates large-scale research facilities such as the Palomar and Keck Observatories, and LIGO, which in 2016 observed gravitational waves from colliding blackholes for the first time.
Pasadena is a city known for its contributions to science and technology, and its rich history, cultural treasures, scenic beauty, and year-round comfortable weather create a desirable environment for life and ideas to thrive.
People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and positive relationships. Caltech's benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. 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.
Hiring Range$161,800 - $199,800 Per Year
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.
