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Job Summary
IPAC, in 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 from highly qualified individuals for a full-time science staff position to work with the RAPID team. RAPID is one of the many time-domain projects at IPAC, such as the currently observing ZTF, and the upcoming NEO-Surveyor & UVEX missions.
RAPID (Roman Alerts Promptly from Image Differencing) is a selected Project Infrastructure Team (PIT) with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Roman is a NASA observatory designed to address key questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets and infrared astrophysics. It is currently slated for launch in late 2026. The role of the PITs is to partner with the Roman Science Centers to provide comprehensive and sustained support of the Roman project and the science community for research areas that require long-term scientific infrastructure development.
RAPID will work with the Roman project to provide: 1) rapid image-differencing of every new Roman image from a reference image; 2) prompt public alert streams of all Roman transient and variable candidates; 3) source-match light curve files of photometry for every identified Roman candidate; and 4) forced-photometry service for Roman photometric history at any observed location. The goal is to have the RAPID pipeline fully tested and operational by Roman launch.
For more details about RAPID, see: https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/project/rapid.
Essential Job Duties
As a member of the RAPID team, you will:
As an IPAC scientist you will:
Basic Qualifications
If you have the following background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:
Preferred Qualifications
These are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of the position. The following attributes would make you a better fit for this position, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you.
People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and lasting relationships. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. The program provides a strong base of coverage for you and your dependents, and the ability to choose the plan and the level of coverage that best meets your needs. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.
Required Documents
$78,190- $130,000 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.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.