Associate Research Technician

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech, a world-renowned science and engineering institute in Pasadena, seeks an Associate Research Technician to develop and test tools for astronomical alert filters, integrating with SkyPortal and public alert brokers. This one-year position starts October 2026 and emphasizes graph-based, drag-and-drop interfaces and backend data querying.

You will collaborate with scientists to define requirements, implement UI/UX improvements, and ensure robust data connectivity through MongoDB/SQL, Kafka,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field and 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• A relevant master's degree may substitute for up to two years of experience.
• Experience using Git/GitHub and collaborative software development workflows.
• Demonstrated programming experience in Python and JavaScript.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance JavaScript/React user-interface tools for building complex astronomical alert filters using graph-based and drag-and-drop components.
• Develop and test Python and/or JavaScript software that converts graph-based filters into MongoDB and SQL queries.
• 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

Python

JavaScript

SQL

NoSQL (PostgreSQL/MongoDB)

UI/UX design

React

Kafka

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS/Applied Tech)

Tools

Kafka

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

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.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop and enhance JavaScript/React user-interface tools for building complex astronomical alert filters using graph-based and drag-and-drop components.
• Develop and test Python and/or JavaScript software that converts graph-based filters into MongoDB and SQL queries.
• 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.
• Demonstrated programming experience in Python and JavaScript.
• 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. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

• 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.

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.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].