Student - Research Assistant Astronomy Coughenour

About the Department

Position Duties

• The student researcher in the College of Science is funded by NASA and the NuSTAR Cycle 11 Guest Observer Program. Will work with Professor Benjamin Coughenour to analyze astronomical observations from NuSTAR, a space-based X-ray telescope, with an emphasis on black hole X-ray binary systems. The student will work between 6 and 12 hours per week during Fall 2026, with a possibility of extending into 2027.
• The student researcher in the College of Science is funded by NASA and the NuSTAR Cycle 11 Guest Observer Program. Will work with Professor Benjamin Coughenour to analyze astronomical observations from NuSTAR, a space-based X-ray telescope, with an emphasis on black hole X-ray binary systems.
• The student will work between 6 and 12 hours per week during Fall 2026, with a possibility of extending into 2027.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a current UVU student Must be enrolled in the D epartment of Physics as a Physics major or minor. Must be enrolled in or have completed at least one of ASTR 3050, or ASTR 4350. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with astronomical data analysis is not required but highly desirable.
• Must be a current UVU student
• Must be enrolled in the D epartment of Physics as a Physics major or minor.
• Must be enrolled in or have completed at least one of ASTR 3050, or ASTR 4350.
• Experience with astronomical data analysis is not required but highly desirable.

Other Qualifications

• The following skills and abilities are necessary: Proficiency with computer programming languages, including Python. Ability to work independently. Ability to manage time and adhere to project timelines. Attend weekly team meetings in addition to one-on-one meetings. Ability to write clearly for a variety of audiences.
• The following skills and abilities are necessary:
• Proficiency with computer programming languages, including Python.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage time and adhere to project timelines.
• Attend weekly team meetings in addition to one-on-one meetings.
• Ability to write clearly for a variety of audiences.

Benefits

• Student positions are ineligible from the university’s full-time employee benefits package and part-time offerings. For more information on services offered to students, visit https://www.uvu.edu/studentlife/ .

Supplemental Questions