Centaurs Research Assistant

 

Description:

The research assistant will work in collaboration with Dr. Moskovitz and other project team members on observational studies of Centaurs using new and archival astronomical data. Centaurs are a transient population of small bodies with orbits between that of Neptune and Jupiter. The motivation of this project is to better understand the processes at play effecting the surfaces of small solar system bodies as they evolve from the trans-Neptunian region towards the inner solar system. The project has two primary objectives:

 

1.      Performing telescopic observations to measure the optical colors of Centaurs that are similar in size to Jupiter Family Comets (<20 km) in order to investigate the relationship between size, color, and inferred surface properties. This aspect of the project includes opportunities to use the Large Monolithic Imager on the Lowell Discovery Telescope.

2.      Searching for cometary activity by stacking archival fits images of serendipitously observed Centaurs.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

 

Regular meetings with project team members are expected, but in general the Assistant will be encouraged to work independently. They must be able to prioritize tasks, set schedules, troubleshoot problems, and complete complex tasks on time and within deadlines.

The Research Assistant must have experience in the use of computers for analysis of data. Familiarity with the Python programming language is strongly desired.

Applicants should describe in their cover letter relevant prior experience, reason for interest in this position, and how it may fit into their long-term career plans.

This is expected to be a 1-year, part time temporary position supported through an existing NASA grant, with possibility for extension up to 3 years based on performance and funding availability. The Assistant will work an average of 10 hours per week, but will have flexibility in deciding the specific scheduling of hours in any given week.

The Research Assistant is expected to reflect the professional and collegial environment the Observatory strives to maintain.

 

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

 

Minimum requirements for this position are to be working towards obtaining a bachelor’s degree in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or related field.

 

The research assistant will work in collaboration with Dr. Moskovitz and other project team members on observational studies of Centaurs using new and archival astronomical data. Centaurs are a transient population of small bodies with orbits between that of Neptune and Jupiter. The motivation of this project is to better understand the processes at play effecting the surfaces of small solar system bodies as they evolve from the trans-Neptunian region towards the inner solar system. The project has two primary objectives:

 

1.      Performing telescopic observations to measure the optical colors of Centaurs that are similar in size to Jupiter Family Comets (<20 km) in order to investigate the relationship between size, color, and inferred surface properties. This aspect of the project includes opportunities to use the Large Monolithic Imager on the Lowell Discovery Telescope.

2.      Searching for cometary activity by stacking archival fits images of serendipitously observed Centaurs.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

 

Regular meetings with project team members are expected, but in general the Assistant will be encouraged to work independently. They must be able to prioritize tasks, set schedules, troubleshoot problems, and complete complex tasks on time and within deadlines.

The Research Assistant must have experience in the use of computers for analysis of data. Familiarity with the Python programming language is strongly desired.

Applicants should describe in their cover letter relevant prior experience, reason for interest in this position, and how it may fit into their long-term career plans.

This is expected to be a 1-year, part time temporary position supported through an existing NASA grant, with possibility for extension up to 3 years based on performance and funding availability. The Assistant will work an average of 10 hours per week, but will have flexibility in deciding the specific scheduling of hours in any given week.

The Research Assistant is expected to reflect the professional and collegial environment the Observatory strives to maintain.

 

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

 

Minimum requirements for this position are to be working towards obtaining a bachelor’s degree in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or related field.