Intern, Science

General Description of Position:

The Research Intern will carry out research on white dwarfs and circumstellar dust. The intern(s) will help build and launch a new Zooniverse citizen science project called “Exoasteroids”, searching for infrared variable white dwarfs in data from NASA’s WISE space telescope. The intern(s) will be supervised by Dr. Aaron Meisner, a NOIRLab staff member.

“Exoasteroids” is a collaboration including both professional researchers and amateur astronomers. This internship offers an exciting combination of discovery-oriented astronomy research, data science, and science communication.

Targeted internship timeline is June through August, based out of the NOIRLab headquarters in Tucson, AZ. 

Essential Functions:

• Work closely with the Exoasteroids science team to build and launch its online interface using the Zooniverse Project Builder tool.
• Analyze images and catalogs from NASA’s WISE space telescope.
• Assist with early analysis of the Exoasteroids data set.
• Help prepare public-facing materials for promoting Exoasteroids and training the project’s participants.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Studying toward or recent recipient of a university degree in astronomy, physics, computer science, data science or a related technical field.
• Background knowledge of astronomy and physics: stars, galaxies, planets, asteroids, white dwarfs, mechanics, electricity and magnetism.
• Basic coding/scripting (for example in Python and/or bash) to automate analysis/transfer of data sets and make scientific plots/visualizations.
• Must possess good English communication skills (written and verbal).
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimal supervision.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Prior astronomy research experience.
• Python scripting for data analysis.
• Prior experience with science communication, citizen science and/or the Zooniverse Project Builder platform.
• Experience in statistical analysis of large data sets and/or machine learning.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk, or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by January 16, 2024. 

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/  

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.