Research Assistant

Position Summary

This position is in direct support of NASA grants related to X-ray and optical observations of the supermassive black holes M87* and Sgr A* in connection with the Event Horizon Telescope campaigns on these sources. The employee will perform imaging, spectral, and variability analysis of recent observations. The primary goal will be to understand the spectral evolution of these sources, both in the X-ray band and across the electromagnetic spectrum, in collaboration with partners from the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration. The employee will also contribute to publication and dissemination of the knowledge gained from the effort.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Data reduction: joint astrometry of Chandra, NuSTAR, and XMM-Newton observations and the extraction of data products including lightcurves, images, spectra, and response files. May also include optical or ultraviolet observations from Hubble and Swift.
• Imaging and variability: analysis of the spatial emission structure of relevant datasets, including the relative brightness and morphology of core, jet, and surrounding regions. Search for changes in intensity on different timescales.
• Spectroscopy: separate and joint spectral analysis of spatially resolved emission regions using X-ray and optical/UV datasets. Determination of the intensity and spectral shape for different regions over time.
• Multiwavelength modeling: collaborate with partners from the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration to produce and model the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution.
• Presentation: The results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals, and it is expected that the employee will play a role in these publications including preparation of figures and writing text.
• Meetings with team and group members to clarify work, define tasks, and present/discuss results.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS in Physics, Astronomy, or related fields
• Knowledge of observational astronomy and experience with telescopes and CCDs
• Experience with programming, data analysis, and modeling
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Pay

$21.98/hr.

Schedule

Full-time, 12 months