Deputy Head - LIGO Hanford Observatory

California Institute of Technology

Richland, WA

Apply

JOB DETAILS

JOB TYPE

Full-time, Employee

SKILLS

Adobe Acrobat, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Budget Management, Calibration, Career Development, Change Control, Commission Controls, Commissioning, Communication Skills, Conferences, Conflict Resolution, Control Systems, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Facilities Management, Interpersonal Skills, Laboratory Management, Laboratory Operations, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Noise Analysis, Noise Modeling, Noise Reduction, Operations Management, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Physics, Policy Implementation, Problem Solving Skills, Project Design, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Research & Development (R&D), Research Laboratory, Resource Management, Safety/Work Safety, Scientific Research, Staff Policies, Strategic Planning, Team Player, Workforce Planning

LOCATION

Richland, WA

POSTED

30+ days ago

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 Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Laboratory seeks a dynamic and accomplished scientist to serve as Deputy Head and Senior Scientist at the LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO) in Richland, Washington.

This position is located in Hanford, Washington.

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website: www.ligo.caltech.edu

Essential Job Duties

As Deputy Observatory Head, the successful candidate will provide scientific, operational, and personnel leadership for the LIGO Hanford Observatory. This position blends high-level technical and scientific engagement in LIGO's detector program with senior management responsibilities for staff, operations, and observatory culture. Working closely with the Observatory Head, the Deputy will ensure that LHO maintains world-class scientific performance, operational excellence, and an inclusive, supportive workplace environment.

The Deputy Observatory Head will also continue to contribute as a Senior Scientist within the LIGO Laboratory, advancing detector sensitivity, stability, and astrophysical reach. This includes leading specific commissioning and detector improvement efforts, coordinating with LIGO's national and international partners, and providing technical mentorship and guidance to scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and students at the observatory.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.

Observatory Leadership and Management (50%)

Serve as the Deputy to the LHO Observatory Head, assuming leadership responsibilities in the Head's absence. With the Observatory Head, lead the scientific and technical mission of the LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO).
With the Observatory Head and the Operations Manager, serve as a contact for LHO staff regarding personnel, workplace, or operational concerns, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing observatory culture.
Provide day-to-day oversight of selected observatory staff and teams, including scientists, engineers, operators, and postdoctoral researchers. Line-manage specific members of the science and operations team.
With the Observatory Head, coordinate with LIGO Laboratory management, Caltech HR, and site staff to implement policies, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with institutional and laboratory standards.
Support strategic planning, budget development, and resource allocation for LHO operations.
Represent LHO in Laboratory-wide and collaboration-level management forums.
Management of after-hours work to ensure personnel safety and observatory security via the observatory work-permit system.
Serve on LIGO Laboratory management committees, including but not limited to Staffing, Operations Management, Lab Executive, and the Strategic Workforce Planning Committees, plus the Change Control Board.

Detector Science and Operations (30%)

Lead or participate in elements of commissioning, noise reduction, and performance optimization of the 4 km Hanford detector, bringing it to and maintaining its designed astrophysical sensitivity.
Direct or advise Detector Improvement (DI) projects, including design, implementation, and verification of noise-mitigation systems.
Guide teams working on Newtonian Noise characterization and cancellation, feed-forward servos, and environmental noise coupling studies.
Contribute to or co-lead LIGO Laboratory research and development projects toward next-generation detectors, including Cosmic Explorer.

Scientific Leadership and Collaboration (20%)

Provide mentorship and career development support for postdocs, students, and junior staff at LHO.
Engage with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC), Virgo, and KAGRA partners regarding scheduling of observation runs, upgrades of detectors, and scientific performance goals.
Publish and present scientific results from LIGO Hanford Observatory and collaborative research.
Represent LHO and LIGO Laboratory in conferences, workshops, and public scientific forums.
Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D. in Physics or closely related field.
A minimum of 8 years of experience in interferometric gravitational-wave detector science or a comparable field involving precision measurement systems.
Proven record of technical and scientific leadership in detector commissioning, control systems, or noise mitigation.
Experience supervising and mentoring technical and scientific staff in a research environment.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and coordinate across multi-institutional collaborations.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills; ability to foster a collegial, inclusive, and respectful workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

In-depth knowledge of the design, commissioning, and operation of gravitational-wave interferometers.
Experience with detector noise modeling, calibration, and environmental coupling studies.
Familiarity with digital control systems, laser stabilization, or feed-forward noise subtraction.
Experience interfacing with large, international scientific collaborations (e.g., LSC, Virgo, KAGRA).
Record of leadership in scientific program or facility management.

Required Documents

Resume.

Hiring Range

$130,000 - $180,000 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.

Caltech is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and will, whenever possible, actively recruit and include for employment members of underrepresented minority groups, females, disabled veterans, protected veterans, and otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Caltech will hire, transfer, and promote based on the qualifications of the individual to ensure equal consideration and fair treatment of all.

About the Company

California Institute of Technology

Resume Resources

Free Resume Templates Free Resume Builder