APS Research/Employment Opportunities
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Ads are updated in a descending order.
Supervisor: Alexandros Chasapis
Job: Undergraduate Researcher
Job Description: Explore solar wind magnetic structures and plasma turbulence near Earth's magnetosphere using MMS spacecraft data
Preferred Qualifications: Intro. Python coding (ASTR 2600 or equivalent) and clear written communication
Start Date: 1/15/2025
End Date: 8/15/2025
Hours/Week: 15 During semester, 40 during summer
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work
Contact: alexandros.chasapis@lasp.colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 12/20/2024
If interested, please send resume to: alexandros.chasapis@lasp.colorado.edu
Supervisor: Shah Bahauddin
Job: Undergraduate Student Researcher
Job Description: We are seeking a motivated undergraduate summer researcher to apply machine learning techniques to heliophysics observational data and perform advanced data analysis. The intern will work on tasks such as developing and training machine learning models, analyzing solar image and spectra datasets, and extracting meaningful insights to support ongoing research. This role will involve coding in Python and extensive data analysis. The position offers hands-on experience at the intersection of data science and space physics.
Preferred Qualifications: Python, Basic coding proficiency, general math and statistics (high school/freshmen level).
Start Date: 6/1/2025
End Date: 8/31/2025
Hours/Week: 20
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work
Contact: Shah.Bahauddin@lasp.colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 1/31/2025
If interested, please send resume to: Shah.Bahauddin@lasp.colorado.edu
Supervisor: Serena Criscuoli
Job: Undergraduate Research experience
Job Description: Machine learning analysis of Balmer lines spectra acquired with the DKIST.
Preferred Qualifications: Python coding. Previous experience with machine learning analysis tools is desirable.
Start Date: 2/1/2025
End Date: TBD
Hours/Week: 10/15
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Support to travel to visit DKIST (Maui) might be available
Contact: scriscuo@nso.edu
Deadline Application: 1/1/2025
If interested, please send resume to: scriscuo@nso.edu
Supervisor: Robby Mendoza
Job: Command Controller
Job Description: Students in the command controller position will participate in mission operations for several active space missions, including multiple NASA satellites! Responsibilities include prelaunch environmental testing, building command sets for uplink to the spacecraft, real-time anomaly resolution, lifecycle telemetry trending, long term operations analysis and planning, and more. Successful candidates can continue their employment through grad school if they choose.
Preferred Qualifications: No experience is necessary - any major is welcome to apply! Some programming background is useful, but students will be taught everything they need to know during their training summer. Students must have a 3.0+ GPA and at least 4 semesters remaining in their undergraduate degree.
Start Date: 5/13/2025
End Date: TBD
Hours/Week: 40 during summer, 20 during school year
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work
Contact: raymond.mendoza@lasp.colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 1/13/2025
Information on how to apply will be posted with the official job ad in January. Prior to that date, feel free to contact Adrienne Pickerill (adrienne.pickerill@lasp.colorado.edu) or Robby Mendoza (raymond.mendoza@lasp.colorado.edu) with any questions.
Supervisor: Xiangning Chu
Job: Research Associate II
Job Description: In this project, we will develop a number of machine learning based models to study the space environment, including the killer electrons and electromagnetic waves in the Earth’s radiation belt, the geomagnetic indices, and geomagnetically induced currents on the ground.
Preferred Qualifications: Python coding (ASTR 2600 or equivalent)
Clear written communication
Excitement for Machine learning
Start Date: 1/13/2025
End Date: 1/13/2026
Hours/Week: 10-15 hrs /week Spring 2025; 40 hrs/week summer 2025
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work
Contact: xiangning.chu@lasp.colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 1/10/2025
If interested, please send resume to: xiangning.chu@lasp.colorado.edu
Skills Acquired:
Comprehensive data analysis (Van Allen Probes)
Experienced with Python projects
Machine learning model development
Supervisor: Kevin Reardon
Job: Undergraduate Researcher
Job Description: The purpose of this opportunity is to characterize high-resolution images of the solar atmosphere obtained with the Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) in order to quantify their quality (and even think of the multiple ways to define "quality"). This will involve both manually examining images, calculating numerical quality metrics, and employing machine-learning methods to automate the evaluation of future images. This job will involve learning about the solar atmosphere, its appearance at different wavelengths, and image reconstruction techniques.
Preferred Qualifications: some programming experience; sophomores or juniors preferred
Start Date: 1/20/2025
End Date: 5/16/2025
Hours/Week: 10
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work, Independent Study Credit
Contact: kreardon@nso.edu
Deadline Application: 1/6/2025
If interested, please send resume to: kreardon@nso.edu
Supervisor: Fran Bagenal and the MOP group
Job: Juno at Jupiter
Job Description: Plotting up data from Juno mission as the spacecraft traversed the disk of plasma produced as gases spewed out by Io are ionized and transported out from Jupiter. At the same time, HST and JWST have taken lots of observations of Io. So we may be able to trace activity on Io with variations in the plasma disc.
Preferred Qualifications: Some Python skills - simple plotting and data manipulation.
Start Date: 1/15/2025
End Date: TBD
Hours/Week: 5-20
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work, Independent Study Credit
Contact: bagenal@colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 1/10/2025
UROP proposal encouraged. Send a CV and short statement about what interests you.
If interested, please send resume to: bagenal@colorado.edu
Supervisor: Dave Brain
Job: MAVEN data analysis
Job Description: Analyze magnetic field and charged particle data from Mars (& maybe Venus / Earth). The specific topic is negotiable, but probably related to the Martian magnetosphere, atmospheric escape, cool plasma physics, or crustal magnetic fields.
Preferred Qualifications: Some comfort with programming
Start Date: 1/27/2025
End Date: TBD
Hours/Week: 10-12 is typical
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work, Independent Study Credit
Contact: david.brain@colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 1/10/2025
Also send a 1-2 paragraph statement to david.brain@colorado.edu.
Supervisor: Dave Brain
Job: Retention of Habitable Atmospheres in Planetary Systems
Job Description: Our effort is addressing the question: "What kind of planet orbiting what kind of star is able to hold on to its atmosphere?”. Your task could include computer modeling, analysis of published results, analysis of spacecraft data, or construction of a webpage that interpolates model results.
Preferred Qualifications: Some comfort with programming
Start Date: 1/27/2025
End Date: TBD
Hours/Week: 10-12 is typical
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work, Independent Study Credit
Contact: david.brain@colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 1/10/2025
Also send a 1-2 paragraph statement to david.brain@colorado.edu.
Supervisor: Sonal Jain
Job: Mars upper atmosphere research using MAVEN IUVS
Job Description: Working on the IUVS science data analysis and visulization
Preferred Qualifications: Python, basic atmosphere physics
Start Date: 1/31/2025
End Date: TBD
Hours/Week: 20
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work
Contact: sonal.jain@lasp.colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 1/15/2025
Supervisor: Julie Comerford
Job: Summer Astronomy Internships at Rocky Mountain National Park
Job Description: Applications are open to current CU undergraduates for two astronomy internships at Rocky Mountain National Park. The two interns will participate in nighttime astronomy programs, which include telescope viewings of the night sky and presentations about astronomy for park visitors.
For more information on how to apply, please see: https://casa.colorado.edu/~juco5173/rmnp
Preferred Qualifications: Applicants should enjoy interacting with diverse audiences including children, have good communication skills, be comfortable driving at night, and be comfortable working in dark conditions on uneven surfaces.
Start Date: 6/3/2025
End Date: 8/22/2025
Hours/Week: 7 hrs/week on average
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work (Pay is $16.85/hr)
Contact: Julie.Comerford@colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 2/28/2025
Supervisor: Erik Richard
Job: CU/LASP Research Faculty & NASA Senior Scientist Emeritus
Job Description: I study aerosols -- wildfire smoke, desert dust, volcanic and pollution particles -- and their impact in climate and air quality, based primarily on satellite data. So, this is an opportunity to become involved in a research project of your choosing -- we would discuss possibilities based on your interests and skills, and agree upon a project that fits.
Preferred Qualifications: Curiosity, and enough interest in a topic to become involved in scientific research.
Start Date: 1/22/2025
End Date: TBD
Hours/Week: TBD
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Independent Study Credit, If you need financial support, we could work on a proposal together (another learning opportunity)
Contact: ralph.kahn@lasp.colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 1/22/2025
Just so you know, I came recently to CU after 38 years at NASA. I am the aerosol scientist for NASA's MISR instruments (in orbit for 25 years now). I have mentored many undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Maryland before coming to Colorado.
Supervisor: Julie Comerford
Job: Summer 2025 Astrophysics Research Program, to Open Pathways to Astronomy for Native American Students
Job Description: This CU-Fort Lewis College partnerships provides paid astrophysics research opportunities on Boulder's campus for undergraduates from both colleges. The intent of the program is to open pathways to astronomy for Native American students. All applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. For more information and how to apply as a CU student, see: https://casa.colorado.edu/~juco5173/partners
Preferred Qualifications: No previous research experience in astrophysics needed
Start Date: 5/27/2025
End Date: 8/1/2025
Hours/Week: 40 hrs/week for 10 weeks over the summer
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work
Contact: Julie.Comerford@colorado.edu
Deadline Application: 3/3/2025
$6000 stipend and free housing and meals on campus
Supervisor: John Keller
Job: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Job Description: The Research and Education Collaborative Occultation Network (RECON) is a collective of K-12 schools and community colleges across the Western US that is helping study Trojan Asteroids and Trans-Neptunian Objects through stellar occultations. We plan to hire two paid undergraduate research assistants to help with occultation campaign coordination, analysis, and documentation.
Preferred Qualifications: Interest in working with RECON teachers and students; passion for astronomy and astronomy education; organized, reliable, strong communicator; experience with linux, python, and/or IDL preferred.
Start Date: 4/15/2025
End Date: 3/31/2027
Hours/Week: 2 hours/week during Fall and Spring Semesters + support of annual summer team meeting
Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work
Contact: john.m.keller@colorado.edu
Deadline Application: Tuesday March 25 by 11:59PM
If interested, please submit application via: https://forms.gle/A6aV3Do368ydmygv6