Undergraduate Research Assistant
UCSC's Astrobiology Initiative houses an interdisciplinary team of students, researchers, and faculty united by a desire to explore the origins, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe from a cosmic perspective. One of the most important tools in this quest is the James Webb Space Telescope, which is currently revolutionizing our understanding of planets beyond the Solar System as researchers use it to search for environments conducive to life. The selected candidate will work with a team of astronomers to reduce and analyze JWST observations of transiting exoplanets that will help to further our understanding of the atmospheres and interiors of these distant worlds.
This position is ideal for a student in their third or fourth year majoring in physics/astrophysics or minoring in astrophysics, and who has completed ASTR 19 or ASTR 119.
Required Qualifications
- Knowledge of Python programming at an intermediate level
- Strong communication skills
- Interest in pursuing exoplanet research
- Willingness to grapple with challenging concepts
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced Python programming skills
- Familiarity with terminal commands for unix-based operating systems
- Previous research experience, especially in astronomy or a related subject
Application Instructions
Please include a brief (< 1 page) cover letter discussing the reasons for your interest in the position and outlining your relevant experience and qualifications in addition to your resume.
MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT:
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: