Data Scientist for YSOC (Young Stellar Object Corral)

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jun 18, 2025
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. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary Young stellar objects (YSOs) are important specimens in studies of the physical processes that occur during stellar birth, circumstellar disk evolution, and planet formation. Over the past several decades, both targeted observations that have focused on YSOs and star forming regions, as well as large ground- and space-based surveys with more general science goals, have increased the amount and types of available data on YSOs by orders of magnitude. The successful job candidate will perform various tasks related to populating a relational database that allows users to access, search, and better exploit YSO data for new science investigations. Essential Job Duties The successful candidate will work with an SQL database running on POSTgreSQL thatis created and managed by python scriptsand the Django framework,connecting that database to a front end user interface written in html, javascript, css. They will learn, operate within, and improve the database population workflow. This entails processing files that have been downloaded from the astronomical literature and source catalogs and reformatting them in a manner suitable for upload into the YSOC database. They can also participate in backend code development, with an opportunity to engage in frontend development. The goals are to: (1) optimize large-scale data ingestion; (2) implement already-identified fixes and improvements to the workflow; 3) add new features to the existing codebase. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in astronomy. Must have familiarity with internet resources relevant to astronomy especially the Astrophysics Data System (ADS), Vizier, SIMBAD, and the tabular archiving practices of the primary journals in the field. Must be familiar with astronomical literature and the field of young stellar objects. Must be able to parse, sort, and organize large amounts of tabular information. Must have proficiency in the python programming language. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with and proficiency in SQL databases and Django. Required Documents Resume. Cover letter. Hiring Range $18.50 - $24.00 Per Hour 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 employment@caltech.edu. 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.