New

Postbac Researcher

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jan 30, 2026
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 successful applicant will participate two astronomical projects by building sophisticated data analysis pipelines. The first is the PANOSETI project to detect nanosecond optical pulses using an array of small telescopes and fast detectors. The second relates to the Keck Planet Finder instrument that is in use at the W.M. Keck Observatory. Work will be done in collaboration with the research group of Andrew Howard, Professor of Astornomy. Essential Job Duties The successful applicant will develop a set of data analysis pipelines written in Python and be part of the official pipelines for the projects on Github. Documentation, continuous integration, and other testing are important parts of these software projects. For the PANOSETI project, the real time pipeline should be designed to detect unusual events of astronomical origin while identifying and filtering instrument systematics. For the Keck Planet Finder project, the pipeline is designed to measure precise Doppler shifts from high-resolution optical echelle spectra. Basic Qualifications BS degree in related field Experience with data reduction pipelines for astronomical pipelines. Experience with the Python programming language, version control software practices with git, and prior work on data from an echelle spectrometer or a nano-second speed optical imaging telescope. Preferred Qualifications Experience with analysis of data projects from astronomical telescopes that can detect Cerenkov air showers. Required Documents Resume. Hiring Range $19.00 to $25.75 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 We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf. 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 employment@caltech.edu. 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 employment@caltech.edu.