Science Intern

General Description of Position

The science intern will carry out cutting-edge research on cold brown dwarfs. The intern will assist in the reduction, analysis, and interpretation of recently acquired data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

Essential Functions

• Work closely with NOIRLab Astronomer to reduce and analyze JWST infrared imaging and/or spectroscopy of cold brown dwarfs.
• Utilize astronomical software and Python-based pipelines to process and extract scientific measurements from JWST datasets.
• Assist with early analysis of the spectral and photometric properties of these extremely cool, substellar objects.
• Help prepare figures, documentation and results for scientific presentations and publications.

Other Functions

• 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, https://cas.aura-astronomy.org/Awards.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s program in a relevant field, or have a recent Bachelor's (or higher) degree in relevant field (astronomy, computer science).
• 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, planets, brown dwarfs, mechanics, and optics.
• 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.
• Prior experience working with infrared astronomical data or space telescope data (e.g., JWST, HST, Spitzer, WISE).
• Familiarity with photometric and/or spectroscopic data reduction techniques.

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.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasionally need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attend meetings, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copier, computer printer, etc.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals.
• Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet).

Salary Range

$17.20 per hour.

How to Apply

Apply by May 24, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.