Postdoctoral Position in Roman/Euclid Spectroscopy

Postdoctoral Position in Roman/Euclid Spectroscopy 

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, NASA’s next flagship mission in astrophysics, will be launch-ready in October 2026. The Roman Project Infrastructure Teams (PITs) have sustained funding to partner with the Science Centers in developing the infrastructure needed by the community to pursue Roman’s ambitious science goals. Caltech/IPAC is home to the PI (Yun Wang) and several Co-Is and Collaborators of the Roman Galaxy Redshift Survey (GRS) PIT, the Roman grism/prism data processing pipeline group, as well as the Euclid NASA Science Center, and key scientists from the Euclid Consortium. Euclid was launched in July 2024, and is highly synergistic with Roman.

We seek a postdoctoral scholar to join the Roman GRS PIT team, as well as the Euclid Galaxy Clustering Science Working Group, with work focused on developing grism data simulation tools, and applying them to maximize the science return from Roman and Euclid. This work is a high priority task for the Roman GRS PIT. It will enable the modeling of observational systematics for dark energy constraints from Roman GRS, thus critical for meeting the science objectives of the Roman GRS. The postdoc will collaborate closely with other members of the Roman GRS PIT, including leading experts in both cosmology and galaxy evolution, see https://roman-grs-pit.caltech.edu/ . 

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to work on the JWST Cycle 1 NIRISS pure-parallel slitless spectroscopy program, PASSAGE (GO1571, PI Malkan). With a total allocation time of up to 500 hours, PASSAGE represents one of the largest JWST surveys providing a rich spectroscopic dataset to study galaxy evolution from the first billion years to the present-day universe. The postdoctoral scholar will participate in analysis of the JWST grism observations as well as publish scientific analysis on topics pertaining to galaxy evolution from the inferred galaxy physical properties.

Both Roman and Euclid employ slitless grism spectroscopy. Experience with the simulation and/or analysis of spectroscopic data is highly desirable. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to pursue their own independent research programs, and will have IPAC institutional access to the Palomar 200-inch telescope.

The applicant must have received their Ph.D. no more than three years ago, and have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics prior to the start date of the position. The application must include:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Publications list
• Statement of research experience and interests (1-3 pages).
• Three reference letters should be emailed directly by the references to the same email addresses as the applications.

Application should be sent to [email protected] .

The review of applications will begin on April 15, and continue until the positions are filled.

This postdoc position has a 3-year term, renewed annually upon satisfactory performance, subject to the availability of funding. Answers to frequently asked questions by Caltech postdocs can be found at https://postdoc.caltech.edu/faqs.

Hiring Range
Starting at $69,000 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] .