Research Scientist

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LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing gravitational-waves. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA, and Baton Rouge, LA, as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website o.caltech.edu.

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a Research Scientist to help complete the installation and commissioning of Balanced Homodyne Detection (BHD) across both observatories. BHD is a quantum-limited readout method — mixing the gravitational-wave signal beam with a strong local oscillator, subtracting the photodiode outputs, and measuring a chosen quadrature to enable squeezed-light readout and common-mode noise cancellation.

A committed A+ deliverable, its installation and commissioning are managed under Detector Improvements. This is a key hire offering the individual the opportunity to deliver a core sensitivity-enabling subsystem for LIGO today and tomorrow. Serving as the point person coordinating BHD activity across the Caltech campus and both observatories, the successful candidate will ensure BHD phases A and B are installed at LHO and phase B at LLO (phase A is already installed at LLO).

The position works alongside, and reports to, the optics lead, who reports to the Chief Engineer. Regular travel to LIGO sites and collaborating institutions (Livingston, LA; Hanford, WA; Cambridge, MA; and possibly internationally) is required.

This position is an in-person role located in Pasadena, California.

• Support the cutting-edge R&D program at the LIGO laboratory with particular focus on the Balanced Homodyne Detection system, including coordinating the design, modeling/simulation, development, production, installation, and commissioning activities on the Caltech campus and at the two observatories.

• Provide ongoing modifications and solution alternatives to meet current and future research and observatory requirements.
• Conceptualize the design and direct the development of enhanced measurement techniques and improved optical and suspension designs.
• Assist with testing, design and analysis, and oversight of precision instruments to test hypotheses and gather data.
• Provide technical expert support for contract vendors providing cutting-edge technology that enables LIGO’s extreme sensitivity.
• Develop and monitor budgets

• Support the optics lead with management of the existing team, and collaborate effectively across a diverse, global collaboration.
• Initiate or collaborate in writing research papers and technical presentations at national and international conferences.
• Produce and maintain systems-level engineering documentation within LIGO configuration-control systems.
• Develop specifications, policies, and procedures.
• Serve on committees and contribute to lab-wide initiatives

• This position requires regular travel to other LIGO installations and…