New

Staff Scientist

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jun 24, 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 Staff Scientist will work with Prof. Lamb as part of a team developing a mission concept that promises to deliver high-resolution global topography for Mars. The Scientist will bring expertise in quantitative topographic analysis, synthetic landscape evolution simulations, and geomorphology to help develop the science concepts and computational workflow for deliverables of the mission. Essential Job Duties Work with PI Lamb to help develop geological science goals and targets for high-resolution topography on Mars, including quantitative analysis of landforms globally. Work with the mission team to research and help advise on science requirements and other needs. Assist in developing and leading a short course designed for Caltech students and external collaborators on quantitative analysis of landforms from high-resolution topography to reconstruct planetary surface environments over geologic time. Develop algorithms and workflows for analyzing global imagery and topography of Mars to meet mission science goals. This will include posing inverse problems to extract the history of surface processes from landforms. Apply and refine algorithms and workflows on existing datasets of global topography and imagery on Mars at local scales (e.g., HiRISE and CTX stereo). Develop computational synthetic landscapes and use synthetic landscapes as a basis to test inverse schemes. Organize geomorphology subgroup meetings for the project and work with undergraduate students involved in the project. Basic Qualifications PhD in Earth Science, Planetary Science, or related discipline. Expertise in computational topographic or spatial analyses beyond geographic information systems. Experience developing computational pipelines for analyzing large datasets. Experience developing and running landscape evolution simulations. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with graduate-level concepts and theory in fluvial geomorphology, hillslope geomorphology, crater-age dating, and surface processes on Mars. Experience developing computational workflows for big data, such as global high-resolution imagery or topography. Experience in posing and implementing solutions for geophysical inverse problems. Experience working with high-resolution topographic data on Earth (lidar) and Mars (HiRISE stereo). Experience working on a large, multi-investigator science team or planetary mission. Experience working with undergraduate and graduate students in team research. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $79,700 to $112,500 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.