Associate Research Technician

Caltech; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

The Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) at Caltech seeks an Associate Research Technician to join a team developing tools for astronomical data streams and alert brokers. This one-year term appointment starts October 2026 and offers opportunities to work with SkyPortal and related systems.

You will develop Python integrations, connect databases with real-time data streams, and collaborate with scientists to specify requirements, troubleshoot, test solutions, and improve user experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/DS/Engineering or related field with 2–4 years of relevant experience; master may substitute up to two years.
• Experience using Git/GitHub and collaborative software-development workflows.
• Experience with SQL and/or NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL or MongoDB.
• Experience developing and testing user-facing software, including UI/UX design principles.
• Experience with a front-end framework such as React.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Python integrations that connect relational databases with astronomical data streams and alert brokers through APIs or Kafka.
• Work with scientists to define requirements, troubleshoot moderately complex technical issues, test solutions, and improve system capabilities and user experience.

Skills

Git/GitHub workflows

SQL/NoSQL databases

UI/UX design

React

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Git/GitHub

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

React

Job description

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

The Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) enables a wide range of time-domain astronomy through large-scale astronomical data processing and the distribution of more than half a million transient alerts each night. The next phase of this work will integrate ZTF and upcoming Rubin Observatory data streams and develop tools that allow scientists to build, test, and manage complex alert filters through accessible graph-based interfaces. The Associate Research Technician will contribute to the development and testing of these tools, including integration with SkyPortal and public alert brokers. This is a one-year term appointment expected to start in October 2026.

• Develop and maintain Python integrations that connect relational databases with astronomical data streams and alert brokers through APIs or Kafka.
• Work with scientists to define requirements, troubleshoot moderately complex technical issues, test solutions, and improve system capabilities and user experience.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field and 2–4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A relevant master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of experience.
• Experience using Git/GitHub and collaborative software-development workflows.
• Experience working with SQL and/or NoSQL databases, such as PostgreSQL or MongoDB.
• Experience developing and testing user-facing software, including UI/UX design principles.
• Experience with a modern front-end framework such as React.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or demonstrated interest in astronomy, astronomical data systems, or scientific software development.
• Experience with continuous integration, unit testing, and software quality practices.
• Knowledge of APIs, microservices, Kafka, cloud/container technologies, or related data-integration tools.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$25.75 - $32.00 Per Hour
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 .

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.