PostBAC Reseach Technician

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Nov 05, 2024
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 For more than 6 years, the Zwicky Transient Facility's (ZTF) enabled a wide range of science thanks to its industrialized astronomical data processing. More than half a million transients are detected every night and shared as "alert packets" to a multitude of public alert brokers allowing the wider astronomical community to access, filter through them. Writing and developing flexible filters requires the users to master a coding language, database query language, API access. The new frontier is combining the ZTF and upcoming Rubin observatory data stream, expected to an order of magnitude more alerts per night. We aim to develop tools to let scientists define complex filters with a simple drag-and-drop / graph-based system, where filters can be designed, exported, and re-imported as abstracted sub-modules in more complex and larger filters. We also aim to develop a rich plugin-based ecosystem, taking advantage of the SkyPortal Marshal to allow individuals to easily connect their own instance to any of the LSST public brokers. Essential Job Duties Programming UI tools in JS to build complex astronomical alert filters using graphs / drag-and-drop UI libraries. Programming in Python and/or JavaScript to automate the conversion from graphs to native MongoDB / SQL queries. Programming in Python to populate an existing relational database to multiple data streams and alert brokers (through APIs or Kafka). Interacting with scientists to define the needs, capabilities, and UX of the different systems. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Comfortable with GitHub. Knowledge of Python, JavaScript. Experience with NoSQL databases (e.g. MongoDB) or SQL databases (e.g. PostgreSQL). Experience with UI/UX design. Experience with front-end frameworks such as React. Preferred Qualifications Strong interest in Astronomy. Comfortable with Continuous integration. Knowledge of micro-services, Kafka, and APIs design. Required Documents Resume or CV. Hiring Range $18.50 - $25.00 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 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 employment@caltech.edu.