Postdoctoral Scholar - SLETE (Euclid)

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 Extragalactic Astronomy at Caltech/IPAC. You will work with Dr. Faisst, Dr. Finner, and a software developer to develop a Python tool to optimize the extraction of the photometry and spectra of strong lens systems in Euclid. In addition, you will use that tool to measure the dark matter component of massive galaxies and correlate these measurements to other physical properties to investigate the effect of dark matter on galaxy evolution.

You will be responsible for leading the development of this tool (which also includes a machine learning component), the data analysis, its interpretation, and finally the publication of the software and scientific results. In addition, you are encouraged to spend a fraction of your time on independent research in a vibrant community of (extra)galactic enthusiasts. As a Postdoctoral Scholar at IPAC, you will have access to observing facilities, including Palomar.

Qualifications and Experience

• By the anticipated starting date (May 4, 2026), a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or equivalent, in an area relevant to the responsibilities, is required.
• Required qualifications: prior research experience in extragalactic astrophysics, large datasets, SED model fitting, and proficiency in Python coding.
• Preferred qualifications: experience with modeling strong galaxy-galaxy lenses, machine learning techniques, and prior expertise in writing Python software.

Required Documents

• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position (limited to 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Publication list
• Summary of previous and current research and your vision for your research connected to the advertised position (limited to 3 pages).
• Contact information (full name and email address) for 3 professional references 

Appointment Details

• Initial appointment minimum of two years, renewed annually for a third year upon satisfactory performance and subject to the availability of funding.
• Applications are due by February 27, 2026 and should be directed to [email protected]. Attention to: A. Faisst. Applications are 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 May 4, 2026 although the exact start date is negotiable.

Hiring Range

• $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

• 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].