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Job Summary
The Research Scientist will lead development for calibration and forward modeling of the DSA-2000 project. Calibration of the DSA-2000 will be carried out in real-time within the radio camera, simultaneously solving complex gains in multiple directions within the field of view of the telescope, within the framework of the radio interferometric measurement equation (RIME). Validation of the calibration performance and requirements (and other instrumental requirements) will involve full modeling of the response of the DSA-2000 radio camera to real-world conditions, including ionosphere, antenna effects, and terrestrial interference. Results of this "forward modeling" will be used to define requirements on hardware, antenna configuration, and processing algorithms.
The candidate can be based at either the Caltech campus or the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO), a world class facility operated by Caltech for research in radio astronomy, located near Bishop in central California. Remote work is acceptable, contingent on ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues at Caltech and OVRO. This role includes opportunities for growth through education and mentorship, as the project develops a user community.
Essential Job Duties
- Responsible for leading the ongoing development of the calibration framework for the DSA-2000 and its integration with the real-time, streaming radio camera system.
- Will manage the use of existing software to model the interferometric response of DSA-2000, including effects of antenna pointing errors, ionospheric propagation, and terrestrial interference.
- Will make recommendations on the requirements for all hardware and software design elements that affect quality of images produced by the radio camera system.
- Will work in collaboration with the OVRO Director, OVRO staff, and key DSA-2000 personnel in a team-based environment.
- Will travel to OVRO and Caltech, as needed, to collaborate with faculty and engineering staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
- PhD in Astrophysics or related discipline (science/engineering/math).
- 3 years of experience with radio interferometric calibration or algorithm development
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the latest direction-dependent calibration techniques for radio interferometers.
- Expertise in C/C++ or Python.
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Contact information for three professional references
$66,600 - $130,000 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 and .
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.
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Caltech is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and will, whenever possible, actively recruit and include for employment members of underrepresented minority groups, females, disabled veterans, protected veterans, and otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Caltech will hire, transfer, and promote based on the qualifications of the individual to ensure equal consideration and fair treatment of all.