Job Summary
We are seeking a Research Assistant to support the development and testing of software pipelines for the RAPID and RISE projects. This is a position working collaboratively with scientists and software engineers on the RAPID and RISE teams. The primary responsibilities include assisting with pipeline development and testing, generating new simulated data, and utilizing existing OpenUniverse simulated datasets.
Essential Job Duties
- Develop familiarity with the characteristics of Roman Space Telescope observations and RAPID data products.
- Validate and optimize the RAPID pipeline using simulated Roman images and injected transient sources.
- Characterize the Roman Space Telescope point spread function (PSF) in image mosaics to support image subtraction.
- Optimize PSF-fitting photometry for both the RAPID and RISE pipelines.
- Improve photometric algorithms for crowded Galactic fields.
- Generate new simulated datasets as needed to support RISE pipeline development and testing.
- Additional Information: This position follows a regular workweek schedule. We support ongoing professional development and offer occasional opportunities to attend scientific workshops and relevant training programs.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience programming in Python.
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and preparing presentations.
- Ability to present technical work and findings to the RAPID and RISE teams.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to share ideas and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
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
Hiring Range
$23.10 per hour
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.