Astronomy Data Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Data Scientist

Job Location: Santa Clara, CA (preferred) or Remote - US-based

Job Term: Full-Time

The Opportunity

Picarro's instruments and analytics power industrial emissions detection, from methane and VOC leak detection to process and emissions monitoring at industrial facilities. We're looking for a Data Scientist who can apply rigorous statistical and physical modeling to Picarro's core measurement challenges: detecting, attributing, localizing, and quantifying trace gases and emissions from complex sensor data.

You'll work closely with the data analytics, customer success, product, and engineering teams, applying and extending broadband spectroscopic analysis techniques and translating that understanding into models and algorithms that directly shape our products and solutions.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement models and algorithms for the detection, attribution, localization, and quantification of trace gases and emissions across measurement platforms and applications.
• Build models of atmospheric transport and dispersion (e.g., Gaussian plume, WRF, HYSPLIT), or work closely with those who do, to support emissions analytics in diverse settings, including industrial facilities, pipelines, and urban and natural environments.
• Apply statistical techniques such as Bayesian inference, hypothesis testing, and Monte Carlo simulation to quantify uncertainty and improve the interpretability of results.
• Work with time-series and geospatial data to build analytical workflows that combine sensor data with atmospheric and geospatial context.
• Design and run experimental programs to develop and validate algorithms, deepening our understanding of plume propagation and detection.
• Write both experimental and production code and translate research-stage models into components engineering can integrate into Picarro's production cloud platform.
• Use modern AI-assisted coding tools as part of the day-to-day workflow, alongside good engineering practices.
• Manage, process, and visualize large, complex scientific datasets to extract actionable insight for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

What You Bring

• Ph.D. or Master's in Physics, Applied Math, Atmospheric or Ocean Science, Astrophysics, Engineering, or a related physical science, or equivalent applied experience.
• 2+ years of related research or industry experience (postdoctoral research counts).
• Strong foundation in statistical modeling, including Bayesian methods and uncertainty quantification.
• Hands-on experience with time-series and geospatial data.
• Exposure to atmospheric transport and dispersion concepts (e.g., Gaussian plume models, WRF, HYSPLIT) is a plus; we're happy to build this depth on the job for someone with a strong physical modeling and statistics foundation.
• Proficiency in Python for numerical analysis (Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, etc.) and SQL.
• Goal-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical communication skills, able to translate complex analysis for both scientific and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with cloud computing environments (AWS preferred) and software development best practices (version control, code review, testing) is a plus; candidates without this should expect to develop it on the job.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $130K to $150K. Our total compensation packages include base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity. Your base salary range and title will be determined based on the location, experience, qualifications, skills, knowledge, level, and pay of employees in similar positions.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans
• Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• 401K
• Social events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.)
• On-site Health & Wellness programs (fitness challenges, outdoor bootcamp, flu-shots, etc.)

About Picarro:

We are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more. Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.

At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, social orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals. 

At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. atdisabilityassistance@picarro.comfor assistance.