Science Intern

About the role#

This Science Intern position focuses on research regarding cold brown dwarfs. Working closely with a NOIRLab Astronomer, the intern will contribute to the reduction, analysis, and interpretation of data acquired from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

What you'll do#

• Reduce and analyze JWST infrared imaging and spectroscopy of cold brown dwarfs.
• Use astronomical software and Python-based pipelines to process data and extract scientific measurements.
• Assist with the early analysis of spectral and photometric properties of substellar objects.
• Prepare figures, documentation, and results for scientific presentations and publications.
• Ensure compliance with government award terms and conditions.
• Manage and control assigned property within the work area.

What you'll need#

• Enrollment in a bachelor’s program or a recent degree in a relevant field, such as astronomy, physics, computer science, data science, or mathematics.
• Background knowledge in astronomy and physics, specifically regarding stars, planets, brown dwarfs, mechanics, and optics.
• Proficiency in basic coding or scripting, such as Python or bash, to automate data analysis and create visualizations.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Preferred: Prior astronomy research experience, familiarity with Python libraries like Astropy, NumPy, or Pandas, and experience with infrared or space telescope data.

Location & details#

• Location: Tucson, Arizona, USA.
• Modality: On-site.
• Term: Summer 2026.
• Status: Full-time, paid internship.
• Note: Occasional work at high-elevation summit sites may be required.