"Research Scientist"

Research Scientist

Job Category: Fulltime Term
Exempt/Overtime Eligible: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

Job Summary

This position is to develop software tools to systematically measure and characterize photometric accuracy in SPHEREx data. SPHEREx requires a high-level of photometric reproducibility to carry out its cosmology science, where accuracy on large spatial scales is critically important. The tools will assess gain effects over the instrumental field of view in forced photometry, and overall photometric stability.

Essential Job Duties

The applicant will operate with the level 1-3 data pipeline developed at IPAC to measure photometric repeatability using measurements of astronomical sources. The developed tools will quantitatively assess errors arising from astrometry, flat-field determinations, PSF uncertainties, and gain drifts. The applicant will also develop algorithms for quantifying best-fit flux and errors with outlier rejection in the all-sky survey data.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in astrophysics, cosmology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong prior experience in large-scale structure or cosmology data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in software development for scientific analysis

Required Documents

• CV

Hiring Range

$79,700 - $115,000 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.