New

Research Assistant

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Oct 23, 2025
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 We are looking for a research assistant to support testing and development of the software pipelines for the RAPID and RISE projects. This position is expected to run for one year. As a research assistant, you will be part of the RAPID and RISE team, working closely together with both scientists and software engineers. The major task for this position is to help develop and test the RAPID and RISE pipeline, including generating new simulated data as well as using the available OpenUniverse simulated data. Essential Job Duties Regular tasks: Become familiar with the characteristics of Roman observations and RAPID data products. Validate and optimize the RAPID pipeline using simulated Roman images and injected transients. Characterize the Roman Point-Spread-Function of image mosaics for image subtraction. Optimize the PSF-fitting photometry for both RAPID and RISE pipeline. Optimize the photometry algorithm in crowded galactic fields. Generate any new simulated data required by the RISE pipeline development. We work a regular work week. We encourage continuing career education, and this position offers occasional opportunities to attend science workshops and related training. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Astronomy or Physics or equivalent experience Experience with coding in Python. Experience with powerpoint presentation. Comfortable presenting work to the RAPID and RISE teams. Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, with an emphasis on the ability to share ideas in a collaborative setting. Preferred Qualifications Proficiency in coding with Python. Familiarity with PostgreSQL. Experience submitting batch jobs in a cloud computing environment Comfortable using tools like Zoom, Slack, Jira, GitHub, or Confluence. Required Documents Resume. Cover Letter. Hiring Range $20.00 - $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.