2027 Astronomy Research Experience for Undergraduates - Internship

Maria Mitchell Association • Nantucket, MA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) will host a 12-week astronomy and astrophysics research internship on Nantucket, Massachusetts, during summer 2027. Six positions are available for qualified undergraduate astronomy and physics students. The program is affiliated with the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, pending NSF funding, but will proceed regardless of the funding source.

Interns will work on research projects guided by the MMA Director of Astronomy and experienced affiliated astronomers. Projects use data from ground-based and space-based observatories across all wavelength regions and employ computational methods for data reduction, analysis, and interpretation. Interns can also develop hands-on observational skills using the MMA’s 24-inch telescope. The program culminates in poster presentations at the winter American Astronomical Society meeting in 2028, with funds provided to support meeting attendance and presentation.

Research areas include optical and infrared studies of R Coronae Borealis stars; high-cadence evolution of low-luminosity supernovae; interacting binary stars and transiting exoplanet candidates; physical origins of the O’Connell effect in eclipsing binary systems; X-ray emission from single-degenerate Type Ia supernovae; magnetic activity cycles in spotted stars; and radio analysis of core-collapse supernovae.

The internship also includes regular professional development, public education and outreach, Open Nights at the MMA’s Loines Observatory, assistance with astronomy camps for children, and 1–2 hours per week of MMA-wide community service. The schedule requires nights and weekends, and two consecutive days off are not guaranteed.

The program runs May 31 through August 21, 2027; the end date may be negotiated to accommodate academic schedules. Compensation is $700 per week. Round-trip travel between the intern’s home and Nantucket is reimbursed. Dormitory-style housing is available for $30 per week, with a required $200 security deposit. Rooms are shared, and interns must participate in cleaning under the housing agreement. Applications are due February 1, 2027, at 11 p.m. EST.

Requirements

• Be an undergraduate student enrolled in a degree program leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree; enrollment may be part-time or full-time.
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.
• Submit an essay, resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Be available for a 12-week summer program, with a schedule that requires nights and weekends; two consecutive days off are not guaranteed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct astronomy or astrophysics research under the guidance of the MMA Director of Astronomy and affiliated astronomers.
• Use observational data from ground-based and space-based observatories and apply computational methods for data reduction, analysis, and interpretation.
• Develop hands-on observational skills using the MMA’s 24-inch telescope.
• Prepare and present research results in a poster presentation at the winter American Astronomical Society meeting in 2028.
• Participate in professional development programming and public education and outreach activities.
• Assist with Open Nights at the MMA’s Loines Observatory and astronomy camps for children.
• Complete 1–2 hours per week of MMA-wide community service.
• Participate in cleaning as part of the housing agreement.

Benefits

• Paid internship compensation of $700 per week.
• Reimbursement for round-trip travel between the student’s home and Nantucket.
• Funds to present research at the January 2028 American Astronomical Society meeting.
• Dormitory-style housing available at $30 per week, with a required $200 security deposit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed