Radio Astronomy Data Calibration Research Assistant

California Institute of Technology; Big Pine (CA); On-site; USD 57,308,000 - 71,635,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech is seeking a Post Baccalaureate Research Assistant to work on instrument and data calibration for the DSA test array at OVRO in Big Pine, CA. You will gain hands-on experience with a world-class instrument and contribute to scientific output while potentially co-authoring notes and publications.

The role involves developing calibration software in Python, calibrating observational data, and refining receiver settings and pointing models under mentorship from project scientists and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field, completed or expected by start date.
• Proficiency in Python for scientific data analysis (NumPy/SciPy).
• Some hands-on research experience via coursework, senior thesis, internship, or prior employment.
• Clear oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate DSA observational data: derive and apply gain, bandpass, and delay solutions; solve for and correct errors in baselines and antenna positions.
• Improve instrument performance: characterize receiver behavior and fine-tune receiver settings to optimize sensitivity and stability.
• Improve telescope pointing: plan and conduct pointing measurements, analyze results, and derive updated pointing models.
• Develop and maintain calibration software: write and extend Python analysis tools and pipeline components; keep code under version control and documented.

Skills

Python for data analysis (NumPy/SciPy)

Clear oral and written communication

Hands-on research experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, electrical engineering, or computer science

Tools

CASA

Git

Linux environment

Job description

Caltech is seeking a Post Baccalaureate Research Assistant to work on instrument and data calibration for the DSA test array at OVRO in Big Pine, CA. You will gain hands-on experience with a world-class instrument and contribute to scientific output while potentially co-authoring notes and publications.

The role involves developing calibration software in Python, calibrating observational data, and refining receiver settings and pointing models under mentorship from project scientists and