Position Description

Staff Scientist

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Exempt

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

IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to enhance discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. IPAC invites applications to the science staff from highly qualified individuals for a full-time position to work on a spectroscopic science pipeline on the wide-field instrument with the Roman team at IPAC.

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 late 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.

For more details, see: https://roman.ipac.caltech.edu

Essential Job Duties

As a scientist on the Roman Science Support Center team at IPAC, you will:

• Develop and test algorithms for extracting near-infrared, slitless spectroscopy taken with the wide-field instrument and the measurement and classification of galaxy spectra.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of observatory and science calibration and commissioning of Wide Field spectroscopy with Roman.
• Work with software developers to implement and test pipeline modules.
• Write pipeline documentation and support the user community.
• Participate in meetings (virtual and in-person) with the wider Roman team.
• Conduct independent research.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD degree in astrophysics or a closely related field.
• 2 years post-PhD experience with data processing and calibration of infrared and/or optical spectra from space observatories.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Qualify as a US PERSON as defined by ITAR regulations – A US person is a citizen of the United States, a lawful permanent resident alien of the US (“Green Card” holder), or an individual granted refugee or asylee status under US law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Reduction and analysis of slitless spectra, including spectral feature identification, decontamination and measurement.
• Experience in developing and testing software for inclusion in automated pipelines.

Required Documents

• Full resume
• Cover letter
• List of three professional references

Applications will be accepted until October 8, 2025. Preferred start date is December 2025 or earlier. Depending on start date, an initial remote working arrangement may be considered for up to three months.

Hiring Range

$79,700 - $112,500 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.