Postdoctoral Scholar - NExScI

Job Summary

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. IPAC, part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, provides science operations, user support, data and archive services, and scientific vision to maximize discovery with observatories both in space and on the ground. 

IPAC is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work at the NASA Exoplanet Archive and the Exoplanet Follow-up Observing Program (ExoFOP), within the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute. The scientist would work with a vibrant team of scientists and developers to populate and improve the NASA Exoplanet Archive and ExoFOP, and to carry out their own independent research program. You will be expected to divide your time between program support activities and independent exoplanet research. Both facets of the position include interfacing with the science community and the general public.

IPAC at Caltech

IPAC is located on the campus of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, near the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering research and education institution, as well as a thriving community of curious and passionate individuals who collaborate to understand and solve complex scientific and societal challenges. Caltech also operates large-scale research facilities such as the Palomar Observatory, Keck Observatory, and LIGO, which in 2016 observed gravitational waves from colliding black holes for the first time. Caltech is an award-winning workplace and one of the best places to work in the greater Los Angeles area. 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. Scientists at IPAC also have access to institutional observing resources at Palomar Observatory and Las Cumbres Observatory. We offer an exciting and dynamic environment, exceptional career development opportunities, competitive pay programs, great benefits, and the opportunity to participate in many campus programs and activities. We seek the best and brightest talent to join our workforce and become members of our community. Exceptional employees are the key to Caltech’s remarkable success.

The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI)

As a part of IPAC, the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI; nexsci.caltech.edu) provides science operations, analysis tools and archive services related to the discovery and characterization of planets beyond our solar system (exoplanets) using data from observatories in space and on the ground, including the NASA Exoplanet Archive. Together IPAC and NExScI support more than 20 astronomy missions which have made or will make major contributions in exoplanet science, astrophysics and cosmology. These include past missions such as Spitzer, Kepler, and WISE, on-going missions such as TESS, Pandora, and the 10-m Keck telescopes, and future missions such as the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, UVEX, and Ariel/CASE missions, as well as supporting community participation in ESA’s exoplanet missions such as Gaia and PLATO.

Job Duties

You will work with the NASA Exoplanet Archive and ExoFOP team of scientists and developers, to identify new exoplanet datasets, and to develop new tools, capabilities and/or interfaces with an emphasis on expansion into astrometry, microlensing, and imaging to accommodate the influx of data expected from NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and ESA’s Gaia mission, and planning for Habitable Worlds Observatory. The specific programmatic tasks could be tailored to fit the scientific and programmatic interests of the successful applicant. You will also carry out an independent program of research in exoplanet science.

Basic Qualifications and Experience

• By the anticipated starting date (October 2026) a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Planetary Science, or related discipline
• Experience with exoplanet detection and characterization techniques
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

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.

• Strong research background in exoplanet detection and/or characterization
• Experience with astrometric, microlensing, or direct imaging detection techniques
• Familiarity with Gaia and/or Roman datasets/expected datasets
• Experience effectively working in a team environment

Required Documents

• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position (limited to 2 pages). This should address both your scientific and programmatic interest in the role
• Curriculum vitae
• Summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages)
• Contact information (names and email addresses) for 3 professional references

Appointment Details

• The Postdoctoral position has a 2-year term, with a possible extension for an additional year upon satisfactory performance and subject to the availability of funding
• Applications are due by July 1, 2026 and should be directed to [email protected], attention to: Dr. Jessie Christiansen
• Applications are only accepted via email
• Preferred start date is October 1, 2026.
• Answers to frequently asked questions by Caltech postdocs can be found at  https://postdoc.caltech.edu/faqs

Hiring Range

• Starting at $75,268 per annum
• 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].