Intern, Science bei Aura Astronomy

The JWST Science Student Assistant will be under the supervision of Andre-Nicolas Chene and will be responsible for data analysis and scientific interpretation of JWST observations of the dust-forming Wolf-Rayet (WR) binary WR140. The Student Assistant will run analysis on JWST MIRI imaging data and conduct a morphological study of the circumstellar material around WR140 to investigate WR binary dust formation. 

Essential Functions: 

• Responsible for conducting an analysis of the spatially resolved morphological material around WR140. 
• May utilize geometric modeling tools of dust-forming colliding-wind binaries (optional). 
• May assist in the analysis and interpretation of complementary JWST results (optional). 
• 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 

Requirements:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program in a relevant field (astronomy, physics, computer science) 
• Experience with astronomical observations and data analysis
• Experience with scientific coding in python.
• Self-motivated, highly organized and dependable. 

Work Environment:  

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function 

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. 
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc. 
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc. 
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools. 
• 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. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees. 

Salary Range: $17.20/hour. 

How to Apply: 

Apply by September 10, 2025. 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 at [email protected]