Planetary Science Jobs

Postdoctoral Scholar - NSDC QA (NEOS)

Job Description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. 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. IPAC operates the NEO Surveyor Survey Data Center (NSDC) for NASA’s NEO Surveyor mission and hosts the mission data archive.

The NSDC at IPAC invites applications from talented researchers to join the Quality Assurance (QA) team as QA Postdoctoral Scientists. The NSDC QA team will oversee the daily data quality validation and daily submission of moving object candidate reports to the Minor Planet Center. Data will be downlinked from the NEO Surveyor spacecraft 7 days a week, every day of the year, so periodically scheduled weekend and holiday shifts are expected. The two QA Postdoc positions would each split efforts between mission support (in the form of daily data QA reviews) and independent research. Research topics on any subfield of planetary science or astrophysics are welcome, and scientific mentors will be assigned from NSDC scientists based on alignment of the proposed research area. For more information about the NSDC team see https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/project/neo-surveyor

You will be encouraged to maintain an active research program of your own design, ideally one that aligned with the data products that NEO Surveyor will produce. The position includes support for publication charges and conference travel. IPAC staff and postdocs have access to observing facilities including the Palomar 5 meter telescope and Las Cumbres Observatory through a competitive proposal process.

Qualifications and Experience

1. By the anticipated starting date (August 2026) a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Planetary Science or Astronomy
2. Demonstrated a strong record of scientific publication

Required Documents

1. A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position (limited to 2 pages)
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Publication list
4. Research Statement (1-2 pages)
5. Contact information (names and email addresses) for 3 professional references

Appointment Details

1. The Postdoctoral position has a 2-year term, with a possible extension for an additional year upon satisfactory performance and subject to the availability of funding
2. Applications are due by June 12, 2026 and should be directed to applications@ipac.caltech.edu, attention to: Dr. Joseph Masiero
3. Applications are only accepted via this email address
4. Preferred start date is August 2026, although the exact start date is negotiable.
5. Applications received by June 12, 2026 will receive full consideration, but review of applications will continue until suitable candidates has been identified.
6. Answers to frequently asked questions by Caltech postdocs can be found at https://postdoc.caltech.edu/faqs For specific questions, please contact Dr. Joseph Masiero at jmasiero@ipac.caltech.edu

Hiring Range

1. $72,723 per annum
2. 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.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
3. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

1. 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.
2. 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 employment@caltech.edu.
3. 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 employment@caltech.edu.

Application Details

Submit application to applications@ipac.caltech.edu

Publication Start Date: 2026 May 08

Application Deadline: 2026 Jun 12

Inquiries

Name: IPAC Admin

Email: applications@ipac.caltech.edu