New

Research Scientist

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Dec 20, 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 The successful candidate will serve as a Research Scientist for several short projects. One of these projects is the detection of methane with camera and laser-based systems. This project is funded by TotalEnergies and is expected to continue through the end of 2026. Another project, funded by the Merkin Foundation, uses tunable laser absorption spectroscopy to measure gas concentrations for breath analysis. This project requires the integration of lasers, detectors, electronics, and optics to develop a prototype breath analyzer that measures parts per million levels of ammonia, acetone, and acetaldehyde; the successful candidate should have experience building these instruments. Finally, the Research Scientist will help with a new project in building an electron projection lithography system, which will use photoemitted electrons to project high-resolution patterns onto wafers. The successful candidate should understand the physics of electron photoemission and electron lithography to help guide that project. Essential Job Duties Design and build tunable laser spectroscopy systems for breath analysis. Develop new software for image analysis of thermal imaging of gas leaks. Characterize and optimize new photoemission sources for electron image projection lithography. Help train a graduate student in spectroscopy and microfabrication. Basic Qualifications Ph.D. and experience in applied electronics and automation. Experience with optics and electronics design, and building prototypes for sensing equipment. Preferred Qualification Ph.D. degree in a related field. Experience in thermal imaging and image processing. Ability to write control software for image acquisition and evaluation. Electron beam lithography experience. Experience in designing and building. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $28.75 to $41.25 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.