Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher

At Wellesley, our mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community—faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.

The researcher will be learning to process and analyze spectroscopic dataset on the job. This will require them to code in Python, do literature review, prepare weekly group meeting presentations, help Prof. Mowla with the research group related activities such as setting the agenda of weekly group meetings, attend and present updates at weekly collaboration meetings, and help with the writing of the paper.

Primary position responsibilities include:

• Reduce, process, and analyze JWST NIRSpec/IFU spectroscopic data for the Firefly Sparkle project using Python, including spectral extraction, calibration, and emission-line analysis of the lensed star clusters and host galaxy.
• Develop, document, and test Python analysis code (e.g. spectral fitting, SED modeling, photometric comparison) and maintain reproducible analysis notebooks for the research group.
• Conduct literature review and prepare weekly research-group presentations; attend and present updates at weekly collaboration meetings.
• Contribute to the preparation and writing of scientific publications and figures arising from the project.
• Help coordinate research-group activities, including setting the agenda for weekly group meetings and supporting other group-related tasks for Prof. Mowla.

Basic qualifications:

• Bachelors in Arts in Physics/Astronomy
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer's sponsorship now or in the future

Skills and abilities:

• Proficiency in scientific programming with Python (including standard astronomy/data libraries such as Num Py, Astropy, and Matplotlib).
• Foundational knowledge of astronomy/astrophysics and a strong interest in observational data analysis; ability to read and synthesize scientific literature.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver presentations at group and collaboration meetings.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Schedule:

This is a full-time, one-year, fixed-term position. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, totaling 35 hours per week.

Salary:

The pay range for this role is $18.00 - $23.00 an hour

Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation:
  Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
• Exceptional Benefits Package:
  Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation:
  Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
• Paid Time Off:
  Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
• Retirement Savings:
  Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Professional Development:
  Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits:
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