Staff Scientist

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Job Summary

IPAC at Caltech is accepting applications for a scientist to work at the NASA Exoplanet Archive and the Exoplanet Follow-up Observing Program (ExoFOP), within the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute. You 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.

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.

NASA's Exoplanet Archive and ExoFOP are key components of NExScI. The Exoplanet Archive, NASA's official repository of confirmed exoplanets and candidates from NASA missions, is used by researchers worldwide and provides an integrated interface of exoplanet system parameters; the ExoFOP provides the exoplanet community with a venue for coordination and sharing of follow-up and precursor data for exoplanets and their host stars. ExoFOP is a critical community resource for confirming planet candidates and for sharing observations of stars and planets that might eventually be targets for future observations with JWST or the Habitable Worlds Observatory. As the exoplanet field expands in the next five years, with the influx of astrometry and microlensing exoplanets from the ESA Gaia mission and the Roman mission, and as the community prepares for the Habitable Worlds Observatory, the Exoplanet Archive and ExoFOP will continue to evolve and expand to meet the needs of the exoplanet community. You will have a role in creating and expanding this vibrant, dynamic environment for exoplanet researchers.

Essential Job Duties

As a member of the IPAC/NExScI science staff, your assignment will be to:

• 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 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
• Play an active role in the team that monitors the published literature and identifies and ingests new and updated planetary systems into the archive
• Carry out an independent program of research in exoplanet science
• Network and build relationships with the wider exoplanet and planetary science communities by representing the NASA Exoplanet Archive and the ExoFOP service at scientific conferences, etc

Basic Qualifications

If you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:

• PhD in astronomy, planetary science or a related discipline and two years of post-PhD experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to work well with others on a small team
• Comprehensive knowledge of exoplanet detection and characterization techniques

Preferred Qualifications

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 or microlensing detection techniques
• Familiarity with Gaia and/or Roman datasets/expected datasets

Required Documents

• Cover letter
• Resume / CV
• Names and contact information for 3 professional references

Application Deadline: July 10, 2026

Life at Caltech/IPAC

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.