Staff Scientist

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

If you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:

• 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

Beyond these basic qualifications, there are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of this position. Any of the following might give you a head start here, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you.

• 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.

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 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.