About CalTech
CalTech , formally known as the California Institute of Technology, is a prestigious private research university founded in 1891 as Throop University and renamed in 1920. Located in Pasadena, California, United States, it is renowned for its focus on pure and applied sciences, engineering, and technology. CalTech manages NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and has produced 39 Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni. The university's mission emphasizes advancing knowledge through research and education, with key achievements including breakthroughs in quantum physics, seismology, and bioengineering. Its campus spans 124 acres in a suburban setting, fostering a collaborative environment for over 2,200 students and 300 faculty members. For more details, visit the CalTech Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in California, and Academic Jobs in Pasadena.
CalTech 's history is marked by innovation, from its role in the Manhattan Project to modern advancements in space exploration. The institution boasts small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, promoting hands-on learning. Key departments include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mechanical Engineering, with interdisciplinary programs in environmental science and computation. CalTech 's alumni include tech pioneers like Gordon Moore of Intel. The university emphasizes diversity and inclusion, offering resources for underrepresented groups in STEM. For academics interested in CalTech academic opportunities, the institution provides a vibrant ecosystem for research and teaching.
In terms of campus locations, the main campus is in Pasadena, with additional facilities like the Caltech Seismological Laboratory and observatories in Hawaii and Chile. CalTech collaborates globally, enhancing its appeal for international scholars. Whether you're a job seeker or student, CalTech stands as a beacon for higher education jobs CalTech and professor positions CalTech . Discover more about academic careers at CalTech through resources on AcademicJobs.com, including links to Higher Ed Jobs and Rate My Professor for professor ratings CalTech .
CalTech 's commitment to excellence is evident in its rankings: consistently top in global lists for engineering and physical sciences. The university's endowment supports cutting-edge facilities, attracting top talent worldwide. For those exploring CalTech Jobs, the institution offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and real-world impact.
Faculty Job Opportunities at CalTech
Faculty job opportunities at CalTech are abundant in high-demand areas like physics, engineering, and biological sciences. As of 2025 trends, there's growing need for Assistant Professors in quantum computing and sustainable energy, with roles such as Research Fellows in astronomy and Lecturers in computer science. CalTech emphasizes interdisciplinary work, with key departments including the Division of Engineering and Applied Science and the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences. Salary ranges, based on recent data, start at approximately $120,000-$150,000 for Assistant Professors, rising to $200,000+ for Full Professors, influenced by experience and grants. These figures are competitive, reflecting CalTech 's location in California and its research funding. Explore professor positions CalTech and higher education jobs CalTech on AcademicJobs.com's Higher Ed Jobs page, filtered for CalTech .
Job trends show a surge in AI and machine learning roles, with CalTech leading in collaborations with industry giants like Google and NASA. Faculty in the Chemistry department, for instance, benefit from state-of-the-art labs for molecular research. Lecturer roles CalTech often involve teaching undergraduate courses while pursuing research. With over 50 open positions annually, opportunities span tenure-track and non-tenure roles. Factors like publication records and funding success impact hiring. For research jobs CalTech , the institution offers postdoc positions with stipends around $70,000-$90,000. Academic careers at CalTech provide access to world-class resources, making it ideal for ambitious scholars. Link to Research Jobs for more.
In the Biology division, positions focus on genomics and neuroscience, with salaries averaging $140,000 for mid-level faculty. Engineering roles emphasize aerospace and robotics, aligning with CalTech 's JPL ties. Job seekers can find listings for faculty jobs CalTech on platforms like AcademicJobs.com, which aggregates opportunities in Academic Jobs in California. Trends for 2025 indicate increased hiring in climate science due to global priorities. CalTech 's small size ensures personalized career development, with mentorship programs for new hires. Salaries CalTech academia are bolstered by benefits like housing assistance in pricey Pasadena.
For those interested in administrative roles, positions like Department Chairs offer salaries up to $250,000. Overall, CalTech academic opportunities cater to diverse expertise, from theoretical physics to applied math. Visit Faculty Jobs to apply.
Assistant Professor in Physics
Focus on quantum mechanics; salary ~$130,000.
Research Fellow in Engineering
Robotics projects; salary ~$80,000-$100,000.
Lecturer in Biology
Teaching and research; salary ~$110,000.
Full Professor in Chemistry
Leadership role; salary $220,000+.
Why Work at CalTech
Working at CalTech offers unparalleled research opportunities in a collaborative environment, with access to cutting-edge facilities and partnerships like NASA. Academic careers at CalTech provide career prospects in groundbreaking fields, unique benefits including sabbaticals, and a supportive community in Pasadena. Researched advantages include high grant funding and low teaching loads, allowing focus on innovation. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
Faculty enjoy intellectual freedom, with many achieving Nobel recognition. The institution's emphasis on work-life balance, including family leave, enhances appeal. In Academic Jobs in Pasadena, CalTech stands out for its impact on global challenges.
Salary Guide for Faculty at CalTech
📊 Salary ranges for faculty at CalTech are competitive, with Assistant Professors earning $120,000-$150,000, Associates $150,000-$200,000, and Full Professors $200,000-$300,000+ based on 2025 data. Factors include experience, department (e.g., Engineering higher than Humanities), and location in California. Additional income from grants averages $50,000. Compared to national averages, CalTech salaries are 20-30% higher due to prestige. Visit Professor Salaries for more.
In Physics, Full Professors average $250,000, while Biology roles start at $130,000. Experience adds 5-10% annually, with tenure boosting pay. 📍 Pasadena's cost of living impacts net income, but housing stipends help. Trends show increases in STEM salaries due to demand. For lecturer roles CalTech , expect $100,000-$140,000. Research funding can double effective compensation. AcademicJobs.com provides tools for salary negotiation in faculty jobs CalTech .
Department variations: Chemistry professors earn $180,000 midpoint, Engineering $210,000. Postdocs range $70,000-$90,000. Factors like publications and awards elevate pay. In comparison to peers like MIT, CalTech offers similar ranges with better research support. For salaries CalTech academia, consider union negotiations and benefits packages.
Overall, CalTech provides financial stability for academic careers, with annual adjustments for inflation. Explore comparisons at University Salaries.
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $120k-$150k |
| Associate Professor | $150k-$200k |
| Full Professor | $200k-$300k+ |
| Lecturer | $100k-$140k |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at CalTech
Discover top educators at CalTech using Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. Ratings help in course selection and recognizing excellence in programs like physics and engineering.
Frances Arnold (Chemistry)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Nobel laureate in directed evolution.
Kip Thorne (Physics)
Rating: 4.9/5 - Expert in gravitational waves.
Michael Elowitz (Biology)
Rating: 4.7/5 - Pioneer in synthetic biology.
John Grotzinger (Geology)
Rating: 4.6/5 - Mars rover mission leader.
Fiona Harrison (Astronomy)
Rating: 4.8/5 - X-ray astronomy specialist.
Harry Atwater (Engineering)
Rating: 4.7/5 - Nanophotonics innovator.
Career Progression at CalTech
Career progression at CalTech involves tenure-track paths from Assistant to Full Professor, with salaries increasing from $120k to $250k+. Research funding and professional development are key, with strengths in STEM. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Tenure requires strong publications; post-tenure opportunities include leadership. CalTech supports via workshops and grants.
Research and Innovation at CalTech
Research at CalTech focuses on quantum science, climate modeling, and space tech, with major centers like the Beckman Institute. Funding exceeds $400M annually. Explore Research Jobs.
Collaborations with JPL drive innovation in robotics and astrophysics.
Resources for CalTech Academics
- Professional development via seminars and funding.
- Benefits include health insurance and retirement plans.
- Union support for faculty rights.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at CalTech
Students at CalTech enjoy rigorous programs in STEM, with career outcomes in tech and research. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include advising and internships.
