Staff Scientist

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jul 10, 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 This position focuses on advancing our understanding of cryovolcanic and outgassing processes on Titan and other ocean worlds (e.g., Europa, Enceladus), with emphasis on volatile evolution, orbital evolution, methane release, and astrobiological implications. The role involves developing and applying numerical models to investigate the coupling between subsurface oceans, cryovolcanism, and atmospheric composition and evolution. Essential Job Duties Develop thermochemical and geophysical models of Titan's cryovolcanic activity and volatile outgassing, particularly methane and hydrogen. Integrate Cassini-INMS and RADAR data with atmospheric models to constrain the source, transport, and fate of volatiles. Investigate the role of hydrothermal vents and interior processes in supporting astrobiological potential on Titan and other icy moons. Simulate atmospheric-surface interactions under equilibrium and non-equilibrium photochemical conditions. Contribute to mission science planning, including payload requirements and data interpretation for missions such as Dragonfly and Europa Clipper. Conduct comparative studies of cryovolcanic features and outgassing rates across icy satellites using synthetic and observational datasets. Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in planetary science, astrobiology, and mission design. Basic Qualifications Ph.D. in Planetary Science or related field. Python and graphics experience. Familiarity with Unix. Preferred Qualifications Experience in planetary science, modeling gases in atmosphere. Strong record of publications in planetary science. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $28.75 to $39.75 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.