Graduate Student Intern

NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.

NSF NOIRLab has an immediate opening for one Astronomy Graduate Student Intern to carry out data analysis and research on active galactic nuclei (AGN) with James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) data. The graduate student intern will help build a science-grade AGN catalog based on spectral-energy-distribution (SED) fitting to be completed by the end of Summer 2024. In addition, basic scientific analysis on the topic of AGN feedback and its impact on galaxies can be performed based on the new catalog as well as on ancillary data. Scientific analysis is considered a value-added aspect. The graduate student intern will be supervised by Dr. Stephanie Juneau, a NOIRLab staff member.

The JWST data is revolutionary. This project will focus on data from the PRIMER survey augmented with publicly available data from other JWST surveys (e.g., CEERS, JADES or others) as well as complementary multiwavelength data for AGN studies such as radio observations and possibly X-ray observations, if time permits.

This is a short term astronomy project with a duration of approximately 3 months at full-time effort. The start date is expected to be on May 13, 2024 ideally and no later than May 20, 2024.

Activities and Functions of the Position:

• Work closely with the supervisor and other JWST colleagues to gather the photometric data, and spectroscopic redshifts where available, for SED fitting.
• Install and run SED fitting software packages (likely two different packages for comparison) using the NSF NOIRLab Astro Data Lab.
• Analyze the output of the SED fitting codes such as derived AGN and galaxy properties, and whether each SED fit supports the presence of an AGN component.
• Compile the outputs from above into an AGN catalog (or catalogs) to be shared with the PRIMER team and eventually released publicly.
• Write supporting documentation for the catalog.
• If time permits, help write a scientific paper draft on AGN identification and/or AGN feedback

Education/Experience/Skills Requirements:

• Bachelor (B.S.) degree in Astronomy or Astrophysics
• Two years of experience in graduate-level astronomy research (completed masters level coursework)
• Studying toward a university PhD degree in astronomy or astrophysics.
• Knowledge of astrophysics on extragalactic topics: galaxies and active galactic nuclei.
• Moderate to advanced coding/scripting in Python, and familiarity with typical astronomical file format (e.g., FITS).
• Must possess good English communication skills (written and verbal).
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimal supervision.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills:

• Prior experience with academic paper writing.
• Prior experience with SED fitting or with using JWST data.

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.

The work of a Science Intern is mostly carried out in an office environment.  Long periods of sitting may be required.

Salary Range: $27.91/hr - $33.20/hr. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

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/ 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by May 15, 2024.

• Interested applicants, please submit a 1-page cover letter, resume, and provide the name and contact information for one professional/academic reference. In your cover letter, please address any remote versus in-person preferences and preferred start/duration of the internship. PDF files are preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format:  LastnameDocname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 

Further information about the position can be obtained from Dr. Stephanie Juneau, stephanie.juneau@noirlab.edu

Offers of employment can be extended and new hires can on-board virtually and arrangements can be made for remote work in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C.

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. 

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.