Research Assistant (KSAS-Physics & Astronomy)

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

20h•$18 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

The William H. Miller III Department of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University, in collaboration with the Post-Starburst Galaxy Group of the Space Telescope Research Institute, seeks a Research Assistant. The Research Assistant will support research that looks for evidence of active supermassive black holes in recently quenched galaxies at cosmic noon. Specifically, they will positionally match galaxy catalogs to archival multiwavelength data (e.g. mid-infrared, X-ray and radio data) in 5 extragalactic deep fields. They will then calculate quantities such as the detection fraction and black hole luminosities and compare to star-forming galaxies as a control sample. Other galaxy properties such as ages, morphologies and gas properties may be explored. The Research Assistant oversees data collection, data organization, and/or data management or similar functions/tasks for research study(ies) in support of a PI or a research team. This is a grant-funded position; continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding. This position will end on September 30, 2027.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with multiwavelength studies of galaxy evolution and active galactic nuclei.
Prior experience writing Python code.

Responsibilities

Run routine and ad hoc reports.
Use standard tools and computer programs to review data.
Assist with data cleaning measures to ensure accuracy of data and preparation of tables.
Lead basic activities such as data collection and data entry.
May lead specific tasks and develop processes to ensure study activities occur effectively and efficiently.
May conduct literature searches to support faculty in research efforts.
May design and format papers/publications.
May assist PIs in writing summaries of papers for release as policy briefs or other channels.
Write custom Python code to analyze astronomical data.
Other duties as assigned.