Research Assistant

Research Assistant

Caltech

Job Category: Fulltime Temporary

Exempt Overtime Eligible: Overtime Eligible

Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

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 talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

We are looking for a research assistant to support testing and development of the software pipelines for the RAPID and RISE projects. This position is expected to run for one year. As a research assistant, you will be part of the RAPID and RISE team, working closely together with both scientists and software engineers. The major task for this position is to help develop and test the RAPID and RISE pipeline, including generating new simulated data as well as using the available OpenUniverse simulated data.

Essential Job Duties

Regular tasks:

• Become familiar with the characteristics of Roman observations and RAPID data products.
• Validate and optimize the RAPID pipeline using simulated Roman images and injected transients.
• Characterize the Roman Point-Spread-Function of image mosaics for image subtraction.
• Optimize the PSF-fitting photometry for both RAPID and RISE pipeline.
• Optimize the photometry algorithm in crowded galactic fields.
• Generate any new simulated data required by the RISE pipeline development.
• We work a regular work week. We encourage continuing career education, and this position offers occasional opportunities to attend science workshops and related training.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Astronomy or Physics or equivalent experience
• Experience with coding in Python.
• Experience with powerpoint presentation.
• Comfortable presenting work to the RAPID and RISE teams.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, with an emphasis on the ability to share ideas in a collaborative setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in coding with Python.
• Familiarity with PostgreSQL.
• Experience submitting batch jobs in a cloud computing environment Comfortable using tools like Zoom, Slack, Jira, GitHub, or Confluence.

Required Documents

• Resume.
• Cover Letter.

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://apptrkr.com/6669638

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.