New

Research Scientist

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jul 31, 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 Research Scientist will conduct numerical ice-flow modeling experiments in support of research within Prof. Minchew's research group. The focus of these efforts will be to understand the slowdown and eventual stagnation of Kamb Ice Stream, West Antarctica, and how we might leverage these processes to stabilize other areas of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The efforts will begin small, with relatively simple model setups, and grow in ambition and scale as we learn. Essential Job Duties Conduct numerical ice flow modeling experiments, using MALI and ISSM, as a central part of the broader effort to understand how we might stabilize the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. This work was explicitly funded by the Grantham Foundation for the stated purposes. These results will inform and be informed by theoretical and observational work being conducted in Prof Minchew's group. As a result, clear and frequent communication of these results is essential. Develop numerical models of increasing complexity to capture the relevant physical processes at the beds of glaciers and how pumping water and heat from glacier beds can influence the flow speed and stability of glaciers in West Antarctica. Submit quarterly reports on progress and challenges. Provide technical assistance to other members of Prof. Minchew's research group. Present results at scientific conferences. Publish results in the scholarly literature. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications PhD plus 5 years of experience. Expertise in large-scale numerical ice-sheet modeling. Demonstrated understanding of the physics of glacier flow and hydrology. Strong scientific publication record. Preferred Qualifications Remote sensing observations used to constrain numerical ice flow models. Inverse theory and ML/AI tools. Required Documents Resume Hiring Range $79,700 to $115,000 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.