Centaur Research Assistant

Lowell Observatory; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking a Centaur Research Assistant to support observational studies of Centaurs using new and archival data. This is a 1-year, part-time temporary position supervised by Dr.

Nick Moskovitz, with flexibility in scheduling about 10 hours per week. Candidates should be working toward a bachelor's degree in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or related field and have experience using computers for data analysis; familiarity with Python is strongly

Qualifications

• Working toward a bachelor's degree in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or related field.
• Familiarity with Python for data analysis is strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on observational studies of Centaurs using new and archival data.
• Work with Dr. Moskovitz and team on data analysis and project tasks.
• Prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and communicate progress.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics/astrophysics/astronomy or related field (in progress)

Job description

This job was posted by https://www.azjobconnection.gov : For more information, please see: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/jobs/7567598

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

CENTAUR RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Temporary Position

Lowell Observatory Research Assistants perform research in support of Lowell scientists. This position will be supervised by Dr. Nick Moskovitz who will ensure the Research Assistant makes adequate progress, but the ability to independently solve problems will be required.

Responsibilities

The research assistant will work in collaboration with Dr. Moskovitz and other project team members on observational studies of Centaurs using new and archival astronomical data. Centaurs are a transient population of small bodies with orbits between that of Neptune and Jupiter. The motivation of this project is to better understand the processes at play effecting the surfaces of small solar system bodies as they evolve from the trans-Neptunian region towards the inner solar System.

System. The Project Has Two Primary Objectives

1. Performing telescopic observations to measure the optical colors of Centaurs that are similar in size to Jupiter Family Comets (\<20 km) in order to investigate the relationship between size, color, and inferred surface properties. This aspect of the project includes opportunities to use the Large Monolithic Imager on the Lowell Discovery Telescope.
2. Searching for cometary activity by stacking archival fits images of serendipitously observed Centaurs.

Qualifications And Expectations

Regular meetings with project team members are expected, but in general the Assistant will be encouraged to work independently. They must be able to prioritize tasks, set schedules, troubleshoot problems, and complete complex tasks on time and within deadlines.

The Research Assistant must have experience in the use of computers for analysis of data. Familiarity with the Python programming language is strongly desired.

Applicants should describe in their cover letter relevant prior experience, reason for interest in this position, and how it may fit into their long-term career plans.

This is expected to be a 1-year, part time temporary position supported through an existing NASA grant, with possibility for extension up to 3 years based on performance and funding availability. The Assistant will work an average of 10 hours per week, but will have flexibility in deciding the specific scheduling of hours in any given week.

The Research Assistant is expected to reflect the professional and collegial environment the Observatory strives to maintain.

Experience And Education

Minimum requirements for this position are to be working towards obtaining a bachelors degree in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or related field.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working in a laboratory environment, operating systems via computer interfaces as well as manual valves and switches, sometimes sitting for extended periods, working with computers for programming and data analysis tasks, and regularly meeting with team members via telecon and in person to report progress and discuss strategy. It will be necessary to move through the Flagstaff campus at 7,000 elevation, sometimes on uneven terrain.

The working conditions described here represent those an employee may encounter while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform

Essential Functions.

Status: Part Time, Temporary

Term: 2026-2027 academic year

Compensation: $20.90 - $23.86/hour

Hours: Average of 10 hours/week

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Benefit Eligible: See Below*

Location: Flagstaff, Lowell Observatorys Mars Hill Campus

Employment is subject to passing a background check

Lowell Observatory is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative-action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gende

The deadline to apply is 9/7/2026.

The hiring committee will begin their review of applications on 9/8/2026.