New

Database Manager for YSOC

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
May 26, 2026
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 The database manager will have full responsibility for maintaining, updating, and upgrading a comprehensive database of young stellar objects, star forming regions, moving groups, and benchmark open clusters in the nearby Milky Way. There is also opportunity for related collaborative research projects. Essential Job Duties 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. The person will work with an existing SQL database running on PostgreSQL, that is created and managed by python scripts and the Django framework and is connected to a front-end user interface written in HTMI, JavaScript, and CSS. They will learn, operate within, and improve the database population workflow. 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. Tasks include 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. Additional tasks relate to backend code development, with an opportunity to engage in frontend development. Basic Qualifications Ph.D. degree in astronomy Must be knowledgeable and experienced in the fields of young stellar objects and star formation in the Milky Way, and deeply familiar with the body of relevant astronomical literature Must have working knowledge of the Astrophysics Data System (ADS), Vizier, SIMBAD, and the tabular archiving practices of the primary journals in the field Must be able to parse, sort, and organize large amounts of tabular information Must have proficiency in the Python programming language including API query practices Must be able to work independently and collaborate effectively with the PI Preferred Qualifications Experience with codebase management Familiarity with and proficiency in SQL databases and Django Required Documents CV Cover Letter Hiring Range $69,100 - $80,000 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 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.