Experimental Astrophysics: mm-Wave Imaging Researcher

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

California Institute of Technology seeks a full-time, nine-month Post-Baccalaureate Researcher in PMA to support experimental astrophysics and mm-wave instrumentation. The role involves hands-on testing of a cryogenic mm-wave imager, detector arrays, and subsystem upgrades in a collaborative setting.

The position emphasizes design, fabrication, data analysis, and operation of the imaging system, with opportunities to contribute across multiple aspects of the instrument and research program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technical field by start date.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with fabrication and rapid prototyping techniques.
• Experience with millimeter-wave imaging systems.

Responsibilities

• Characterize the imager's point-spread function.
• Design and integrate hardware for synthesized images.
• Fabricate optical components to improve tests of components.
• Screen and assess performance of new detector arrays.
• Operate the imaging system to collect and analyze data.
• Develop optical/mechanical designs and oversee fabrication.
• Operate cryogenic systems and use Python tools for data.
• Support ongoing team research activities.

Skills

Python

Communication

Fabrication

mm-wave imaging

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technical field

Tools

Zemax

FEKO

SolidWorks

Job description

California Institute of Technology seeks a full-time, nine-month Post-Baccalaureate Researcher in PMA to support experimental astrophysics and mm-wave instrumentation. The role involves hands-on testing of a cryogenic mm-wave imager, detector arrays, and subsystem upgrades in a collaborative setting.

The position emphasizes design, fabrication, data analysis, and operation of the imaging system, with opportunities to contribute across multiple aspects of the instrument and research program.