Staff Scientist

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.

IPAC at Caltech is accepting applications for a scientist to work at the NASA Exoplanet Archive and the Exoplanet Follow-up Observing Program (ExoFOP), within the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute. You would work with a vibrant team of scientists and developers to populate and improve the NASA Exoplanet Archive and ExoFOP, and to carry out your own independent research program.

The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI) is part of IPAC. It provides science operations, analysis tools and archive services related to the discovery and characterization of planets beyond our solar system using data from space and ground-based observatories, including the NASA Exoplanet Archive. Together IPAC and NExScI support more than 20 astronomy missions such as Spitzer, Kepler, WISE, TESS, Pandora, Keck, the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, UVEX, Ariel/CASE, and ESA’s Gaia and PLATO missions.

NASA’s Exoplanet Archive and ExoFOP are key components of NExScI. The Exoplanet Archive, NASA’s official repository of confirmed exoplanets and candidates from NASA missions, is used by researchers worldwide and provides an integrated interface of exoplanet system parameters. The ExoFOP provides the exoplanet community with a venue for coordination and sharing of follow‑up and precursor data. ExoFOP is a critical resource for confirming planet candidates and sharing observations that may become targets for future observations with JWST or the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

As the exoplanet field expands, these services will continue to evolve to meet community needs.

• Work with the NASA Exoplanet Archive and ExoFOP team of scientists and developers to identify new exoplanet datasets and develop new tools, capabilities and interfaces, emphasizing expansion into astrometry, microlensing, and imaging to accommodate data from NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and ESA’s Gaia mission.
• Play an active role in the team that monitors the published literature and identifies and ingests new and updated planetary systems into the archive.
• Carry out an independent program of research in exoplanet science.
• Network and build relationships with the wider exoplanet and planetary science communities by representing the NASA Exoplanet Archive and the ExoFOP service at scientific conferences.

• PhD in astronomy, planetary science or a related discipline and at least two years of post‑PhD experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well with others on a small team.
• Comprehensive knowledge of exoplanet detection and characterization techniques.

• Strong research background in exoplanet detection and/or characterization.
• Experience with astrometric or microlensing detection techniques.
• Familiarity with Gaia and/or Roman datasets or expected datasets.

$79.7K - $105K 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.

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