RESEARCH ASST I (TEMP)

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume.

The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and any relevant background experience, and should include a link to a github repository or other online resource demonstrating your coding skills.

Please also include the names and contact information of two references.

Who We Are

The Department of Astronomy is a diverse and vibrant intellectual community dedicated to excellence through research and teaching. We foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world. To learn more about our mission, vision, and values, please visit https://lsa.umich.edu/astro/about.html.

Job Summary

The Corrales Group in the Department of Astronomy is seeking a motivated Postbaccalaureate Researcher for a temporary position to develop extinction models for dust and gas in the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and protoplanetary disks. This role combines astrophysical research with computational work. We value curiosity and enthusiasm for coding alongside solid physics foundations.

This is a temporary position which is anticipated to be available for approximately 11 months. The start date is no later than August 5, 2026.

$20 per hour
40 hours per week

Responsibilities*

  • Develop and refine opacity models for dust and gas relevant to the ISM and protoplanetary disk environments, using scientific software and open-source practices primarily in Python - 50%
  • Develop a database to store and retrieve models - 25%
  • Contribute to scientific publications and presentations - 25%

Required Qualifications*

  • Educational background in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or related field
  • Proficiency in Python programming
  • Experience working with Object-Oriented Programming concepts (classes, modules, etc.)

Desired Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or related field
  • Previous experience with and knowledge of software best practices
  • Strong interest in astrophysics, particularly dust physics and star/planet formation
  • Enthusiasm for coding and willingness to learn software best practices

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

LSA offers:

  • Strong commitment to work/life balance
  • Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care ? that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.