Centaurs Research Assistant

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. 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 bachelor’s 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 Observatory’s Mars Hill Campus

To Apply:

Please send the following documents to jobs@lowell.edu

• Lowell Application (https://lowell.edu/about/career-opportunities/)
• Letter of interest addressing your qualifications
• Resume
• Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional references

The deadline to apply is 9/7/2026. The hiring committee will begin their review of applications on 9/8/2026.

*Part Time employees will receive sick time accrual according to AZ state law. After 6 months of employment, part time employees are eligible to participate in a 5% match if they contribute 5% or more to their retirement plan, as well as 2 paid personal days per year.

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, gender identity, or Veteran status. Lowell Observatory has always been, and always will be, committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek individuals from all backgrounds to join our teams, and we encourage our employees to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work.

Employment with Lowell Observatory is on an “at will” basis. At-will employment means that the relationship may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, reason or advance notice, by either you or the Observatory for any reason not expressly prohibited by law. Please note that the terms and conditions of your employment, including but not limited to compensation, benefits, duties, and policies, are subject to change at the discretion of Lowell Observatory based on business needs or changes in applicable laws and regulations.

Lowell Observatory sits at the base of one of the mountains sacred to indigenous tribes throughout the region. We honor their past, present, and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.

Lowell Observatory is committed to providing access, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. Our non-smoking campus is at an elevation of 7,200ft/2200m, and the LDT is 40 miles south of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,800 ft/2370m. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources office for assistance.