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IPAC at Caltech invites applications for a Source Detection and Photometry Scientist to join the team that is developing the Survey Data System for NASA’s Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor mission.
IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, is a dedicated community of scientists, engineers, and administrative personnel who provide science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. NEO Surveyor is a Planetary Defense mission, scheduled to launch in 2027, that is optimized to detect, track, and characterize solar system small bodies that pose a potential risk to the Earth. NEO Surveyor consists of a passively cooled 50 cm telescope located at Sun-Earth L1 equipped with a wide-field camera that will image the sky simultaneously in two mid-infrared bands. NEO Surveyor will detect approximately 100,000 Main Belt asteroids, NEOs, and comets each day against a background of tens of millions of distant stars and galaxies.
IPAC is building the NEO Surveyor Survey Data System (NSDS) that ingests imaging and engineering data from the flight system, processes those data into calibrated image and source detection products, performs automated searches for moving solar system objects, assesses the quality of the survey data, and distributes data products to NASA archives and the user community. The NSDS utilizes multiband source detection and profile-fit photometry algorithms to acquire accurate flux measurements that will enable estimates of the physical characteristics of solar system small bodies.
Essential Job Duties
As Source Detection and Photometry Scientist, you will work with the NSDS Lead Scientist and System Architect to:
The Source Detection and Photometry Scientist will be encouraged to plan and conduct an independent research program that ideally makes use of data returned by the NEO Surveyor, and to be an active participant in the general activities of the IPAC Science Staff.
Basic Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Besides these basic qualifications, there are a set of skills and experience that will enhance your contributions as the Source Detection and Photometry Scientist. The following might give you a head start, but even if these don’t describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you.
Required Documents
People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and lasting professional 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 meet 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.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2023
$64,480 - $108,000 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.
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