Research Scientist

Caltech; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech's Deep Synoptic Array (DSA) team invites a researcher to develop and implement the DSA transient detection pipeline using simulated data. You will build applications for automated source extraction, classification, and image cutout processing, applying modern image-processing and ML techniques within radio interferometry context.

The role emphasizes close collaboration with science and software groups, enabling near-real-time alert generation, VLASS analysis opportunities, and potential

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or computer science with related experience.
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis, preferably Python.
• Proven ability to develop, test, and analyse scientific software or pipelines.
• Experience communicating results via publications or presentations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement components of the DSA transient detection pipeline using simulated data.
• Create automated source extraction, classification, and false-positive detection methods.
• Apply image-processing and machine-learning techniques to radio data.
• Incorporate radio interferometry knowledge into pipeline development.
• Test and validate pipeline performance with simulated and survey data.
• Contribute to an automated near-real-time transient alert system for DSA.
• Document software, methods, testing procedures, and results.
• Collaborate with science and software teams to integrate the pipeline.
• Analyze survey data and contribute to publications and catalogs.
• Present technical and scientific results to collaborators and the astronomical community.

Skills

Python

Scientific programming

Data analysis

Research communication

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy or related field

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 Deep Synoptic Array (DSA) is seeking a researcher to contribute to the development and implementation of the DSA transient detection pipeline. The candidate will work with simulated DSA data products to develop and test methods for source extraction, source classification, false-positive detection, and image cutout extraction.

The candidate will build the radio transient detection pipeline using modern image-processing and data-analysis techniques, grounded in domain knowledge of radio interferometry and the physics of transient astronomical phenomena. When the DSA becomes operational, the pipeline will provide an automated, near-real-time stream of transient alerts to the DSA community. This alert stream will support statistical studies of known transient populations and enable searches for previously undetected classes of cosmic explosions.
In addition to contributing to the DSA pipeline, the candidate may pursue independent or collaborative research, including the analysis of data from the Very Large Array Sky Survey (VLASS) and publication of a catalog of radio transients.

• Develop and implement components of the DSA transient detection pipeline using simulated DSA data products.
• Develop methods for automated source extraction, classification, false-positive detection, and image cutout extraction.
• Apply modern image-processing, statistical, and machine-learning techniques to radio astronomical data.
• Incorporate knowledge of radio interferometry and the physical properties of transient astronomical sources into pipeline development.
• Develop, test, and validate pipeline performance using simulated and survey data.
• Contribute to the design of an automated, near-real-time transient alert system for the operational DSA.
• Document software, methods, testing procedures, and scientific results.
• Work with members of the DSA science and software teams to support integration of the transient pipeline into the broader DSA data-processing system.
• Conduct independent or collaborative research related to radio transients, as appropriate.
• Analyze survey data, including data from the Very Large Array Sky Survey, and contribute to scientific publications and catalogs.
• Present technical and scientific results to project collaborators and the broader astronomical community.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, computer science, or a related field plus at least one year of related experience.
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis, preferably in Python.
• Experience working with astronomical imaging or other scientific imaging data.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, test, and analyze scientific software or data-processing pipelines.
• Experience conducting independent research and communicating scientific results through publications, presentations, or equivalent work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with radio astronomy and radio interferometry.
• Familiarity with radio transient science and the physical processes associated with transient astronomical phenomena.
• Experience with source detection, image segmentation, classification, anomaly detection, or related image-processing techniques.
• Experience with machine learning or statistical methods applied to astronomical data.Experience working with large astronomical survey datasets.
• Experience with the Very Large Array or Very Large Array Sky Survey (VLASS).
• Experience developing production-quality scientific software and automated data-processing pipelines.
• Familiarity with software development practices such as version control, testing, documentation, and reproducible workflows.
• Experience working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$78,000 - $120,000 Per Year
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] .