Graduate Student Research Assistant

Adler PlanetariumChicago, IL
$0 - $19Hybrid

About The Position

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Graduate Student Research Assistant to join our dynamic team on Chicago's Museum Campus. The Graduate Student Research Assistant will conduct astrophysics research under the supervision of the Senior Director of Astronomy. They will participate in the design and evaluation of the ASOM (Asteroid Surface Observation Mission) NEO flyby mission. This individual will also be responsible for: Participating in the design and evaluation of the ASOM (Asteroid Surface Observation Mission) NEO flyby mission. Building an asteroid detection model loosely based on LSST parameters. Constructing a pipeline for inversion of lightcurve measurements into a 3-D asteroid shape model for use in modeling the Yarkovsky effect.

Requirements

  • Must be enrolled in a course of study leading to a Master's degree in Physics, Astronomy, or other related field
  • At least 1 year of experience with research projects.
  • Knowledge of asteroid properties, photometric performance of telescopes, and the Yarkovsky effect
  • Demonstrated ability to code in Python

Nice To Haves

  • Attention to detail
  • Commitment to working as a team

Responsibilities

  • Participating in the design and evaluation of the ASOM (Asteroid Surface Observation Mission) NEO flyby mission.
  • Building an asteroid detection model loosely based on LSST parameters.
  • Constructing a pipeline for inversion of lightcurve measurements into a 3-D asteroid shape model for use in modeling the Yarkovsky effect.

Benefits

  • 7 to 25-hour workweek
  • Eligible to accrue up to 6 vacation days per year
  • 3 sick days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)
  • Eligible to earn time and a half for working on any of the 7 Adler observed holidays
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Commuter flexible spending account
  • 403B plan with Adler match
  • Adler match is 100% vested immediately
  • Eligible to enroll as of the date of hire
  • Network of Support through our EAP programs
  • Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues
  • Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services
  • Free subscription to the Calm Premium app
  • Employee Loan Program
  • Discounted Onsite Parking Program
  • Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions
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