Research Scientist

Caltech Job Opportunity

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.

Basic research into the properties of the rings of Uranus, ultraviolet studies of solar system bodies, development of Uranus orbiter and probe science goals.

• Model simulated stellar occultation observations for the Uranian rings that could be performed by a Uranus Orbiter. Determine what additional information can be determined from an occultation performed from orbit around Uranus vs. ground-based occultations.
• Determine the best strategy for assessing the ring particle hazard to a spacecraft flying between the rings of Uranus and the planet. This is critical because obtaining high-resolution gravity data from Uranus Orbiter requires flying a trajectory that crosses the equatorial plane inward of the known rings.
• Construct the scientific objectives and measurement requirements for UV-based observations of Uranus' rings, moons, and atmosphere. From these, develop instrument requirements for a UV spectrometer to be flown on a Uranus orbiter mission.
• Other basic scientific research as desired.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in planetary science or atmospheric science.
• At least 10 years of experience in spacecraft mission planning.

• Knowledgeable in UV planetary observations, rings.
• Experience using Cassini data.

• Resume