Postdoctoral Scholar - Roman Galactic Exoplanet Survey PIT

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.

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in astrophysics at Caltech/IPAC. You will work with Dr. Jessie Christiansen on developing the occurrence rate framework for the Roman Galactic Exoplanet Survey (RGES) Project Infrastructure Team (PIT). The RGES PIT is developing the infrastructure required to plan, execute, and extract cold exoplanet demographics from the Roman Galactic Bulge Time Domain Survey (GBTDS).

The primary goal of RGES is to produce a statistical census of planet in orbits beyond >1AU, for both bound and free floating planets. A comprehensive analysis will use both the GBTDS data and data from other exoplanet detection methods to produce a more complete understanding of exoplanet demographics. The frequency of Earth-mass planets in the habitable zones of Sun-like stars, η⊕, is a high priority because it is needed to design the Habitable Worlds Observatory, which was recommended by the Astro2020 Decadal Survey as the highest priority for NASA’s next flagship mission. You will be responsible for developing the framework for calculating occurrence rates for bound and free-floating planets, including processing of simulated data, analysis and interpretation, and publication of scientific results. You will be a member of the RGES PIT team, and be encouraged to participate in the wider PIT activities. In addition, you will be encouraged to spend a fraction of your time on independent research, and will have access to observing facilities, including the 5-m telescope at Palomar Observatory.

Qualifications and Experience

• By the starting date of October 2025, a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or equivalent, in an area relevant to the responsibilities.

• Prior research experience with planet occurrence rates or microlensing is required.

• Experience with analysis of large data sets is preferred.

• Experience effectively working in a team environment is preferred.

Required Documents

• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position (limited to 1 pages)

• Curriculum vitae

• Publication list

• Contact information for 3 professional references

• Summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages).

Appointment Details

• The position has a 3-year term, renewed annually upon satisfactory performance, subject to the availability of funding. 

• Applications are due by Aug 1, 2025 and should be directed to [email protected]. Attention to: Dr. Jessie Christiansen. Applications only accepted via email.

• Answers to frequently asked questions by Caltech postdocs can be found at https://postdoc.caltech.edu/faqs.

• Preferred start date is November 1, 2025.

Hiring Range

• Starting at $72,723 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

• If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at [email protected].