Category: Missions

Assistant Survey Scientist for Near-Earth Object Surveyor Mission

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Earth, Planetary & Space Sciences
City: Los Angeles
State/Province: CA
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: UCLA Campus Human Resources
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: UCLA
Application Due Date: Friday, July 31 2026
Web Link: https://jobs.ucla.edu/careers-home/jobs/10520

NASA’s Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor is a planned mission (launch: September 2027) with a goal of finding, identifying, and characterizing potentially hazardous asteroids in our Solar System.  The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences is an academic unit within the UCLA Division of Physical Sciences.  The NEO Surveyor Assistant Survey Scientist will be supported under UCLA’s contract with NASA.  The NEO Surveyor Assistant Survey Scientist will work with the Principal Investigator and Science Team in developing the NEO Surveyor survey plan, which determines where the Observatory points as a function of time. The Assistant Survey Scientist will participate in testing and verifying that the survey plan obeys survey rules defined by the Science Team. The Assistant Survey Scientist will also participate actively in studying the ability to link detections of small body candidates observed by NEO Surveyor to ensure that they result in the determination of high-quality orbits.  Qualifications for the position include: 1+ years research experience in planetary astrophysics, solar system bodies, exoplanets or related subarea(s); strong programming skills with 2+ years Python or equiv. language programming experience; ability to interpret copious amounts of complex technical information and data.  More information on the position, including qualifications, compensation range, benefits and how to apply are provided in the job website.

ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme

Posted on
Current state: Approved
City: Madrid or Noordwijk
Category:
Country: Spain or Netherlands
Contact Person: Guido De Marchi
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency
Application Due Date: Thursday, April 30 2026
Web Link: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc/visitor-programme

To increase the scientific return from its space science missions, the European Space Agency (ESA) welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research projects based on data publicly available in the ESA Space Science Archives (https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc).

The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists, at all career levels, who are affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Cooperating States. All visits must comply with the ESA security directives, which may necessitate additional checks. Early-career scientists and PhD students are particularly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from women and minorities. The peer-review evaluation process is anonymised to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.

During their stay, visiting scientists will have access to archives and mission specialists for help with the retrieval, calibration, and analysis of archival data. In principle, all areas of space research covered by ESA science missions can be supported.

Residence lasts typically between one and three months, also distributed over multiple visits. Research projects can be carried out at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) and at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands). To offset the expenses incurred by visitors, ESA covers travel costs from and to the home institution and provides support for lodging expenses and meals.

Applications received by 30 April 2026, 23:59 UTC, will be considered for visits in autumn 2026 and winter 2027.

For further details, including areas of research and contact information, please refer to https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc/visitor-programme or write to the programme coordinators at [email protected]

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher (IRSA)

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: IPAC
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category: ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Caltech Recruitment
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Caltech/IPAC
Application Due Date: Monday, February 02 2026
Web Link: https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf03/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CALTECH&cws=37&rid=10721

Job Summary

IPAC at Caltech is seeking a full-time, one-year term, post-baccalaureate researcher position to investigate and implement strategies for leveraging large language models (LLMs) to help users navigate the many mission data sets and data services offered by the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive (IRSA), with applicability to other IPAC archives in mind. Come be part of the team that is helping astronomers and data scientists all over the world access and explore IRSA’s petabyte archives of astronomy data!

IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech (www.caltech.edu), provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to enhance discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. IRSA (http://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu) is a steward of scientific data sets delivered by NASA’s Astrophysics missions. We enable transformative scientific research using data from these and other missions. IRSA ingests petabyte-scale imaging datasets, maintains multi-billion row databases, and develops a variety of tools for accessing, visualizing, and analyzing data from cutting-edge astronomical facilities. We support space observatories including SPHEREx, a NASA mission conducting an infrared, spectroscopic survey of the entire sky; Euclid, a European Space Agency (ESA) mission studying the geometry and nature of the dark Universe; and NEO Surveyor, an upcoming mission designed to discover and characterize potentially hazardous asteroids that have close approaches to the Earth.

Essential Job Duties

You will work within a small team to investigate strategies for leveraging LLMs to provide assistance to users of IRSA data and tools. These investigations will include developing proofs of concepts in Python, the development of a testing suite of user questions, and evaluating different implementations against this testing suite. You will present the results of these investigations within the team and within the larger IPAC community to those interested in adopting these strategies. Your day-to-day activities will include coding in Python, interacting with scientists and software engineers, reading and writing technical documentation, assessing quantitative and qualitative performance of models, and summarizing and presenting findings.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in a technical subject such as Astronomy, Physics, Math, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Sciences, or a related field.
Experience with large language models (LLMs).
Fluency in Python.
Strong communication and writing skills.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience with astronomical data sets is advantageous, but not required.
Experience with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) is advantageous, but not required.
Required Documents

Resume listing relevant experience and qualifications.
Cover letter describing your interest in and fit for the position.
The expected start date for this role is mid-March 2026. This is a full-time, one-year term position. The application deadline is February 2, 2026.

Life at IPAC

People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and positive relationships. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.

Hiring Range
$20.00 – $28.00 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

Professor in Planetary Sciences at the University of Bern

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences
City: Bern
Category: , , , , , , , , ,
Country: Switzerland
Contact Person: Christoph Mordasini
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Bern
Application Due Date: Saturday, January 31 2026
Web Link: https://ohws.prospective.ch/public/v1/jobs/5910a4be-30c9-4e9d-abbe-9bc44b71776e

The Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences of the Physics Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland, invites applications for a full-time position as a Professor in Planetary Sciences. The initial level of tenure can range from assistant professor tenure track to full professor depending on qualifications (open rank). We invite applications from candidates who conduct outstanding research, teaching, mentorship, and leadership in any area of experimental planetary science. Areas of research could include, but are not limited to, the properties, origin and evolution of planets and minor bodies in the Solar System, the search for and emergence of life beyond Earth, the composition of surfaces and atmospheres, ongoing physical and chemical surface and sub-surface processes and the evolution of planetary interiors. A diverse spectrum of approaches and methodologies is welcome, including, but not limited to, the analysis and modeling of space probe datasets, instrumentation, and flight hardware development, experimental, observational and laboratory techniques, comparative planetology or the involvement, development, and leadership in space missions.

Application Developer – RAPID

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: IPAC
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category: ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Caltech Recruitment
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Caltech/IPAC
Application Due Date: Friday, November 14 2025
Web Link: https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf03/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CALTECH&cws=37&rid=10633

Job Summary
IPAC at Caltech is looking for a developer for RAPID pipeline team. As a part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, IPAC (www.ipac.caltech.edu) provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. We are partners with NASA, NSF, JPL, and the international research community to advance exploration of our Universe. Over our three-decade history, we have provided a range of support for more than 20 astronomy missions, helping each to bring forth major advances in astrophysics and cosmology. As a member of our RAPID team, you will enable scientists to explore the dynamic sky; finding supernovae, other rare cataclysmic events, variable stars, asteroids, and all other manner of time-varying phenomena from our solar system to the edges of the Universe.
Where You Fit In:
RAPID is a time-domain Project Infrastructure Team (PIT) for the upcoming NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The PIT is responsible for a low-latency pipeline to discover changes between observations, then alert astronomers for follow up with other resources. The pipeline will run within AWS, automatically processing observations on receipt, all without a human in the loop. The PIT will also provide associated resources and services to international community, such as historical light-curves of variable sources, and an on-demand forced-photometry service. The developer will help write, validate, and tune the pipeline and services, working with scientists and engineers across several Roman teams.
Essential Job Duties
• Refine project architecture and interfaces.
• Write python modules for specific tasks.
• Validate performance of delivered code.
• Integrate modules into pipeline scaffolding.
• Deploy, maintain and tune pipeline in AWS.
• Communicate regularly with the rest of the RAPID team.
• We work a regular work week; however during operations you will sometimes need to support off-hours activities.
• We encourage continuing career education, and this position offers occasional opportunities to attend industry conferences and related training.
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Astronomy, Physics, Math or a related technical field.
• At least 2 years of production experience of Python code development and maintenance.
• Experience with SQL.
• At least 2 years of experience with Linux/Unix operating systems.
• Good written and interpersonal communication skills, with an emphasis on the ability to share ideas in a collaborative setting.
Preferred Qualifications
Beyond these basic qualifications, there are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities. The following might give you a head start here, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you:
• Production experience with AWS.
• Operation of multi-component pipelines, including batch systems, monitoring, logging and dashboards.
• Experience in automating infrastructure and code deployment, such as Terraform and GitOps.
• Familiarity with astronomical image differencing.

Required Documents
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Submit Application via Caltech Website
Complete applications submitted by November 14, 2025, will receive full consideration, although review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified.
People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and positive relationships. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.
Hiring Range
$40.00 – $48.25 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].

ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: Space Science
City: Madrid or Noordwijk
Category: ,
Country: Spain or Netherlands
Contact Person: Guido De Marchi
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency
Application Due Date: Monday, November 10 2025
Web Link: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc/visitor-programme%20

To increase the scientific return from its space science missions, the European Space Agency (ESA) welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research projects based on data publicly available in the ESA Space Science Archives (https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc).

The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists, at all career levels, who are affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Cooperating States. All visits must comply with the ESA security directives, which may necessitate additional checks. Early-career scientists and PhD students are particularly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from women and minorities. The peer-review evaluation process is anonymised to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.

During their stay, visiting scientists will have access to archives and mission specialists for help with the retrieval, calibration, and analysis of archival data. In principle, all areas of space research covered by ESA science missions can be supported.

Residence lasts typically between one and three months, also distributed over multiple visits. Research projects can be carried out at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) and at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands). To offset the expenses incurred by visitors, ESA covers travel costs from and to the home institution and provides support for lodging expenses and meals.

Applications received by 10 November 2025, 23:59 UTC, will be considered for visits in spring and summer 2026.

For further details, including areas of research and contact information, please refer to https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc/visitor-programme or write to the programme coordinators at [email protected]

CHEOPS Project Scientist

Posted on
Current state: Review
Department: Directorate of Science
City: Noordwijk or Madrid
Category: , ,
Country: Netherlands or Spain
Contact Person: Oliver Jennrich
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: European Space Agency
Application Due Date: Thursday, October 02 2025
Web Link: https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Project-Scientist/1246661201/

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to ’empower Europe to lead space science’.

The Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) oversees the scientific content of the Science Programme and provides scientific expertise to Science missions, across all phases, from studies to operations and beyond. The Office also manages engagement, communication and education efforts for the Directorate of Science, with the aim of ensuring that external stakeholders are informed, engaged and inspired.

The CHEOPS Project Scientist (PS) interfaces and engages with the ESA astronomical community and the public to keep the mission and its science prominent and visible. In close collaboration with the CHEOPS Principal Investigator and Science Team, the CHEOPS PS ensures that the maximum scientific return from the mission is maintained as a target throughout all phases, keeping within the technical, financial, programmatic and safety constraints.
The CHEOPS PS also forms a team working closely with the ESA Exoplanet Team, PLATO PS, and Ariel PS (ESA’s other exoplanet-science missions), in which they engage with and prepare the community for the science from these missions and implement activities that increase the scientific value of these missions with the stakeholders.

The CHEOPS PS may actively pursue personal scientific research, participate in the ESA Science Faculty, and support outreach and educational activities.
You will initially be assigned to be the Project Scientist for CHEOPS mission, during which time you will interface and engage with the ESA astronomical community and the public to keep the mission and its science prominent and visible. In close collaboration with the CHEOPS PI, you will ensure that the maximum scientific return from the mission is maintained as a target throughout all phases, keeping within the technical, financial, programmatic and safety constraints. In this role you will report to the Head of the Astrophysics Missions Section in SCI-E.

You will also be assigned the role of CHEOPS Mission Representative. In this role, you will have delegated responsibility for all aspects of the ESA contribution to CHEOPS until the end of the mission post-operations phase. In this role, your main interfaces will include the CHEOPS Mission Consortium, its PI and Mission Manager, the ESA Mission Operations Representative and the PRODEX office. In this role you will report to the Head of the Mission Management and Science Operations Division in the Science Operations Department.

You should also expect to support other activities in the Astronomy Missions Section, such as conducting studies on future missions, as needed.

Please check the above link for more details

Staff Scientist (ROMAN – Microlensing)

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: IPAC
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Caltech Recruitment
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Caltech/IPAC
Application Due Date: Wednesday, October 08 2025
Web Link: https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf03/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CALTECH&cws=37&rid=10604

Job Summary
IPAC, in the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to enhance discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. IPAC invites applications to the science staff from highly qualified individuals for a full-time position to work with the Roman team at IPAC.
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a NASA observatory designed to address key questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets and infrared astrophysics. It is slated for launch in 2026. The Roman Science Support Center (SSC) at IPAC is a part of the Roman Ground Data System, providing algorithm and software development and data processing for the Galactic Bulge Time Domain, High Latitude Wide Area and the High Latitude Time Domain surveys. In addition, the SSC will support the operations of the Coronagraph Instrument, manage the Roman general and guest investigator proposal solicitations, and provide community support for exoplanet and wide-field spectroscopy science with Roman.
For more details, see: https://roman.ipac.caltech.edu
Essential Job Duties
• As a scientist on the Roman Science Support Center team at IPAC, you will:
• Develop and test algorithms for processing data from the Galactic Bulge Time Domain survey.
• Analyze commissioning and on-sky data.
• Work with software developers to implement and test pipeline modules.
• Write documentation for the pipeline and for the user community.
• Participate in meetings (virtual and in-person) with the community and the Roman team.
• Conduct independent research.
Basic Qualifications
If you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:
• PhD degree in astrophysics or a closely related field.
• Two years of post-PhD experience with astronomical data processing including at least one of the following: microlensing data processing and analysis, precision infrared photometry, time domain data analysis.
• Ability to work in a team environment, including good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with Roman partners distributed across many institutions.
Preferred Qualifications
These are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of the position. The following attributes would make you a better fit for this position, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you.
• Experience with exoplanet microlensing data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience in developing software for inclusion in automated pipelines.
• Experience with cloud computing or software.
Required Documents
• Full resume
• Cover letter
• List of three professional references
Applications will be considered starting Sept 29 with a deadline of Oct 8.
Preferred start is date is December 2025-January 2026. Depending on start date, an initial remote working arrangement may be considered for up to 3 months.

People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and lasting relationships. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. The program provides a strong base of coverage for you and your dependents, and the ability to choose the plan and the level of coverage that best meet your needs. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.
Hiring Range
$79,700 – $112,500 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
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].

Staff Scientist (ROMAN)

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: IPAC
City: Pasadena
State/Province: CA
Category: , , , ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Caltech Recruitment
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Caltech/IPAC
Application Due Date: Wednesday, October 08 2025
Web Link: https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf03/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CALTECH&cws=37&rid=10603

Job Summary
IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to enhance discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. IPAC invites applications to the science staff from highly qualified individuals for a full-time position to work on a spectroscopic science pipeline on the wide-field instrument with the Roman team at IPAC.
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a NASA observatory designed to address key questions in the areas of dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. It is slated for launch in late 2026. The Roman Science Support Center (SSC) at IPAC is a part of the Roman Ground Data System, providing algorithm and software development for spectroscopic and Galactic Bulge Time Domain Survey data processing. In addition, the SSC will support the operations of the Coronagraph Instrument, manage the Roman guest investigator proposal solicitations, and provide community support for exoplanet and wide-field spectroscopy science with Roman.
For more details, see: https://roman.ipac.caltech.edu
Essential Job Duties
As a scientist on the Roman Science Support Center team at IPAC, you will:
• Develop and test algorithms for extracting near-infrared, slitless spectroscopy taken with the wide-field instrument and the measurement and classification of galaxy spectra.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of observatory and science calibration and commissioning of Wide Field spectroscopy with Roman.
• Work with software developers to implement and test pipeline modules.
• Write pipeline documentation and support the user community.
• Participate in meetings (virtual and in-person) with the wider Roman team.
• Conduct independent research.
Basic Qualifications
If you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:
• PhD degree in astrophysics or a closely related field.
• 2 years post-PhD experience with data processing and calibration of infrared and/or optical spectra from space observatories.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Qualify as a US PERSON as defined by ITAR regulations – A US person is a citizen of the United States, a lawful permanent resident alien of the US (“Green Card” holder), or an individual granted refugee or asylee status under US law.
Preferred Qualifications
Beyond these basic qualifications, there are a set of skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of this position. Any of the following might give you a head start here, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you.
• Reduction and analysis of slitless spectra, including spectral feature identification, decontamination and measurement.
• Experience in developing and testing software for inclusion in automated pipelines.
Required Documents
• Full resume
• Cover letter
• List of three professional references

Applications will be accepted until October 8, 2025. Preferred start date is December 2025 or earlier. Depending on start date, an initial remote working arrangement may be considered for up to three months.
People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and lasting relationships. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. The program provides a strong base of coverage for you and your dependents, and the ability to choose the plan and the level of coverage that best meet your needs. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.
Hiring Range
$79,700 – $112,500 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
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].

Faculty Administrator or Professor and Director, Florida Space Institute

Posted on
Current state: Approved
Department: Florida Space Institute
City: Orlando
State/Province: Florida
Category: ,
Country: United States
Contact Person: Rebeca Barrios
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Central Florida
Application Due Date: Saturday, September 06 2025
Web Link: https://jobs.ucf.edu/jobs/faculty-administrator-or-professor-and-director-florida-space-institute-orlando-florida-united-states

The Opportunity

The Florida Space Institute (FSI) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is on a mission to propel space research, innovation, and education to new heights. We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Director of FSI, a multidisciplinary center devoted to facilitating and conducting leading-edge applied and basic research and education programs in space-related fields. UCF is seeking applications for a 12-month, non-tenure earning faculty administrator or tenured professor, and director of the FSI.

FSI’s charter is to support space research, development, and education activities within UCF and in the state of Florida, and secondarily to support the development of Florida’s space economy, including civil, defense, and commercial. As Director, you’ll have the opportunity to help drive collaborations across academia, industry, and government to expand Florida’s space research.

UCF is committed to becoming a premier institution in space science, engineering, and education and is seeking a dynamic individual to implement that vision by growing FSI into a nationally recognized space research institute that supports UCF’s recognition as a top research institution for space.

The Director will work with faculty from the College of Sciences, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the College of Optics and Photonics, and others interested in space-related research at UCF to achieve these goals.

Reporting directly to UCF’s Associate Vice President for Research and Scholarship, you’ll be at the forefront of a bold new era in shaping the institution’s trajectory and influencing the future of the field.
Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Space Science or Engineering or another relevant discipline, or equivalent experience is required.

Strong spoken and written communications and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated leadership and managerial effectiveness.

A record of winning competitive space funding and managing funded programs.

To be eligible for appointment as a tenured professor upon hire, the selected candidate must have a Ph.D. from an accredited institution and demonstrated teaching, research, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty rank in a department/school related to the candidate’s area of expertise.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in creating, developing, and growing strategic partnerships with companies in the space industry from both an academic and a commercial perspective.

A proven track record of building, motivating, mentoring, and coaching high-performance teams.

An entrepreneurial mindset for building up an organization and experience in growing and managing a center, institute, NASA flight project, or large research group.

A creative problem solver that can bring multiple and diverse disciplines together.

Experience in academic programs.

Experience within NASA or receiving and executing large NASA-funded programs.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, candidates should upload a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae, and a list with contact information for three (3) professional references.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Jennifer McKay at [email protected].

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

This is a full-time, 12-month appointment. Consideration of the position being tenured is possible with demonstrated teaching, research, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty rank in a department/school related to the candidate’s area of expertise.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.
Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
Retirement savings options.
Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.
Education assistance.
Flexible work environment.
And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.
Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department
Office of Research – Florida Space Institute (FSI)
Work Schedule
Varies
Type of Appointment
Regular
Expected Salary

Negotiable
As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email [email protected].

For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].