Job SummaryIPAC at Caltech has an opening for a scientist to participate in the Euclid and Roman missions by joining the user support teams. IPAC is part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech (www.caltech.edu) and provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground.
Roman: The Nancy Grace 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 Fall 2026. The Roman Science Support Center (SSC) at IPAC is a part of the Roman Ground Data System, providing algorithm and software development for spectroscopic and Galactic Bulge Time Domain Survey data processing. In addition, the SSC will support the operations of the Coronagraph Instrument, manage the Roman guest investigator proposal solicitations, and provide community support for exoplanet and wide-field spectroscopy science with Roman.
Euclid: Euclid is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission, launched in 2023, to study the geometry and nature of the dark Universe. NASA established the Euclid NASA Science Center at IPAC (ENSCI) in order to support US-based investigations using Euclid data. ENSCI participates 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 supports the US research community by providing expert insight into the Euclid surveys, data processing, calibration, and data products. For more details, see http://euclid.caltech.edu.
Essential Job DutiesThe position will be 50% with Roman and 50% with ENSCI.
As a member of the Roman team, your specific tasks will include:
- Working with SSC to support the research community
- Organizing and supporting virtual and in-person science meetings
- Responding to questions via the help-desk
- Writing documentation for the user community
- Participation in meetings to promote Roman science
- Conduct independent research
- Duties might also include helping to curate and release information on our Roman website
As a member of ENSCI, your specific tasks would include:
- Working with ENSCI to support the US-based research community in using Euclid data
- Developing and testing data analysis notebooks and services for the public Euclid archive
- Leading workshops (in person and online) on the use of Euclid data
- Writing documentation for the user community
- Responding to questions from the community via the help-desk and other channels
- Conduct independent research
- Participating in meetings, tele- and video-conferences, together with travel to Euclid workshops in Europe and relevant conferences to meet the user community in the U.S.
Basic QualificationsIf you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:
- PhD in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field.
- 2+ years of experience post-PhD as a research scientist in infrared astronomy
- Strong verbal and written communication, along with demonstrated creativity and problem-solving capabilities
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 research scientist working with Roman and Euclid:
- Familiarity with the Euclid and Roman mission and science
- Expertise with near-IR photometry and spectroscopy, including relevant data analysis software
- Proficiency with python notebooks
- Experience with organizing research-focused events, such as workshops
- Experience working with a distributed team
Required Documents- Cover letter
- Resume / CV
- Names and contact information for 3 professional references
Application DeadlineLife at IPACIPAC is located on the campus of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, near the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering research and education institution, as well as a thriving community of curious and passionate individuals who collaborate to understand and solve complex scientific and societal challenges. Caltech also operates large-scale research facilities such as the Palomar Observatory, Keck Observatory, and LIGO, which in 2016 observed gravitational waves from colliding black holes for the first time. Caltech is an award-winning workplace and one of the best places to work in the greater Los Angeles area. 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. Scientists at IPAC also have access to institutional observing resources at Palomar Observatory and Las Cumbres Observatory. We offer an exciting and dynamic environment, exceptional career development opportunities, competitive pay programs, great benefits, and the opportunity to participate in many campus programs and activities. We seek the best and brightest talent to join our workforce and become members of our community. Exceptional employees are the key to Caltech's remarkable success.
Hiring Range$79.7K - $105K 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.
