Project Research Assistant

Carnegie Science; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Science seeks a Project Research Assistant to collaborate with senior researchers on design, organization and execution of specialized research projects at our Pasadena facility.

You will use established scientific techniques, assist with data analysis, and prepare reports for dissemination. This role supports postdocs, attends meetings, and may involve preparing journal-ready materials.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student (or recent graduate with a BS or BA degree in related field).
• Experience with specialized software or datasets, as required by the supervisor.
• Satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Assist postdocs and more senior researchers in the research environment.
• Collect and analyze data, summarize project results.
• Manage and respond to project related email.
• Attend project meetings.
• Prepare other articles, reports, and presentations.

Skills

Self-starter

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Enthusiasm for learning

Education

Pursuing BS/BA in related field

Undergraduate student or recent graduate with BS/BA

Academic progress per supervisor

Job description

Observatories, 813 Santa Barbara Street, Pasadena, California, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 28, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Carnegie Science is dedicated to scientific exploration to advance investigation, research, and discovery, and apply that knowledge for the improvement of humankind.

PROJECT RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Position Summary:Collaborate with more senior researchers on the design, organization, and execution of highly specialized and complex research projects that contribute to or complement overall research group objectives. Use established scientific techniques and procedures. May assist with analyzing results and summarizing findings for dissemination through reports or scientific journals.

Essential Functions:The qualified candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Perform a subset of the duties below, as assigned by supervisor:

• Assist postdocs and more senior researchers in the research environment
• Collect and analyze data, summarize project results
• Manage and respond to project related email
• Attend project meetings
• Prepare other articles, reports, and presentations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student (or recent graduate with a BS or BA degree in related field)
• Experience with specialized software or datasets, as required by the supervisor
• Satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the supervisor

Preferred Qualifications:

• Participation in a Carnegie Internship Program
• Academic and/or work experience related to the field of research, as defined by the supervisor/lead researcher

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must be a self-starter who is motivated to deliver quality work, has the ability for critical thinking and problem solving, and possesses a teamwork attitude
• Strong organizational and computer skills, meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Enthusiasm for developing new skills and expertise

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Occasionally lifts and /or carries objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally stoops and bends
• Occasionally reaches and grasps with arms and hands above head

NOTE: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that could be required. The job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Disability Accommodations:

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Carnegie Recruiting [e-mail] .

Observatories, 813 Santa Barbara Street, Pasadena, California, United States of America