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 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

We are seeking a Post Baccalaureate Research Assistant to work on instrument and data calibration for the DSA test array at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. The position involves hands-on work with a world-class instrument and its data; characterizing and fine-tuning receiver settings, solving for baseline and antenna-position errors, and measuring and improving the pointing accuracy of the telescopes. The position is well suited to someone early in their research career, for example, a recent graduate considering a PhD, or a student seeking research experience. You will receive mentorship from project scientists and engineers, contribute directly to the observatory's scientific output, and have opportunities to co-author technical notes and publications.

Essential Job Duties

• 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 the 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.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field (completed or expected by the start date).
• Proficiency in Python for scientific data analysis (e.g., NumPy/SciPy, working with large datasets).
• Some hands-on research experience - through coursework projects, a senior thesis, an internship (e.g., REU), or prior employment.
• Clear oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work on-site at OVRO in Big Pine, CA, including occasional outdoor work at the antennas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in radio astronomy, interferometry, or signal processing.
• Familiarity with radio-astronomy software such as CASA, or with calibration concepts.
• Experience working in a Linux environment and with version control (git).
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, RF/electronics test equipment, or antenna measurements.
• Experience with radio-frequency interference (RFI) identification and mitigation.

Required Documents

• Resume.
• Cover letter.

Hiring Range

$20.00 - $25.00 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.

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].