Research Assistant

California-Institute-of-Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Caltech seeks a Research Assistant to assist with software pipelines for RAPID and RISE projects. You will work with scientists and engineers to develop, test, and validate pipelines, generate simulated data, and leverage OpenUniverse datasets.

The role emphasizes presenting findings, collaborating in a team, and participating in professional development and occasional workshops.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience programming in Python.
• Proficiency in creating and presenting slides with PowerPoint.
• Ability to present technical work clearly to cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop familiarity with Roman Space Telescope observations and RAPID data products.
• Validate and optimize the RAPID pipeline using simulated images and injected sources.
• Characterize the PSF in image mosaics to support image subtraction.
• Improve photometric algorithms for RAPID and RISE pipelines.
• Generate new simulated datasets to support pipeline development and testing.

Skills

Python programming

PowerPoint

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Astronomy or Physics

Tools

Jira

GitHub

Confluence

Slack

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 Research Assistant to support the development and testing of software pipelines for the RAPID and RISE projects. This is a position working collaboratively with scientists and software engineers on the RAPID and RISE teams. The primary responsibilities include assisting with pipeline development and testing, generating new simulated data, and utilizing existing OpenUniverse simulated datasets.

• Develop familiarity with the characteristics of Roman Space Telescope observations and RAPID data products.
• Validate and optimize the RAPID pipeline using simulated Roman images and injected transient sources.
• Characterize the Roman Space Telescope point spread function (PSF) in image mosaics to support image subtraction.
• Optimize PSF-fitting photometry for both the RAPID and RISE pipelines.
• Improve photometric algorithms for crowded Galactic fields.
• Generate new simulated datasets as needed to support RISE pipeline development and testing.
• Additional Information: This position follows a regular workweek schedule. We support ongoing professional development and offer occasional opportunities to attend scientific workshops and relevant training programs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience programming in Python.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and preparing presentations.
• Ability to present technical work and findings to the RAPID and RISE teams.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to share ideas and collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in coding with Python.
• Familiarity with PostgreSQL.
• Experience submitting batch jobs in a cloud computing environment.
• Comfortable using tools like Zoom, Slack, Jira, GitHub, or Confluence.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$23.10 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] .