Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Wellesley • Wellesley, MA

2d • $18 - $23 • Hybrid

About The Position

The researcher will be learning to process and analyze spectroscopic dataset on the job. This will require them to code in Python, do literature review, prepare weekly group meeting presentations, help Prof. Mowla with the research group related activities such as setting the agenda of weekly group meetings, attend and present updates at weekly collaboration meetings, and help with the writing of the paper.

Requirements

• Bachelors in Arts in Physics/Astronomy
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer’s sponsorship now or in the future
• Proficiency in scientific programming with Python (including standard astronomy/data libraries such as NumPy, Astropy, and Matplotlib).
• Foundational knowledge of astronomy/astrophysics and a strong interest in observational data analysis; ability to read and synthesize scientific literature.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver presentations at group and collaboration meetings.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Responsibilities

• Reduce, process, and analyze JWST NIRSpec/IFU spectroscopic data for the Firefly Sparkle project using Python, including spectral extraction, calibration, and emission-line analysis of the lensed star clusters and host galaxy.
• Develop, document, and test Python analysis code (e.g. spectral fitting, SED modeling, photometric comparison) and maintain reproducible analysis notebooks for the research group.
• Conduct literature review and prepare weekly research-group presentations; attend and present updates at weekly collaboration meetings.
• Contribute to the preparation and writing of scientific publications and figures arising from the project.
• Help coordinate research-group activities, including setting the agenda for weekly group meetings and supporting other group-related tasks for Prof. Mowla.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits
• life insurance
• disability coverage
• free parking on our picturesque campus
• paid vacations
• personal days
• sick time
• holidays
• retirement savings plan
• 403(b) plan
• hybrid work environment for select positions
• caregiving support through Wellthy
• legal plan insurance
• pet insurance discount
• retirement planning
• access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston
• continuing training
• pathways for growth
• tuition benefits
• resources to navigate student loan forgiveness
• free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes
• Library resources
• opportunities to attend diverse campus events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level