Job Duties
Analysis of data from the Total-Coverage Ultra-Fast Response to Binary Mergers Observatory (or TURBO). TURBO will consist of large-format CMOS detectors mounted on twelves 0.20-meter diameter optical telescopes both at Magdalena Ridge Observatory near Soccoro, NM and at Skinakas Observatory in Crete, Greece. Within two seconds of a trigger alert, TURBO will begin obtaining continuous, multi-band images of more than 150 square degrees. A prototype telescope in St. Paul, Minnesota has been implemented that can acquire images within two seconds of an alert. Counterparts to gravitational-wave detections of mergers will multiply the information available from just the gravitational waves alone by revealing the mergers’ distances, environments, and nucleosynthetic products. Given its unique sensitivity to prompt emission, TURBO may detect novel types of counterparts, yielding potential insights, for example, into the poorly understood observed population of binary black-hole mergers. When not responding to gravitational-wave mergers, TURBO will obtain observations of supernovae in nearby galaxies at the time of explosion (4-6 events each year), which can be expected to provide new understanding of their stellar progenitor populations and explosion mechanisms.
50% Software development of data-processing pipeline and survey automation code
10% Communication with team members, including principal investigator
10% Troubleshooting problems with telescope and telescope enclosure operation
30% Analysis of data and preparation of discoveries and analysis for publication
Other duties of a similar scope as assigned.
Required qualifications
BA/BS in Physics, Astronomy or related field.
Need to have at least two years of college-level coursework in Astrophysics, Physics, or Computer Science
Preferred qualifications
Proficiency with Python and experience with astronomical research.
School of Physics and Astronomy: https://cse.umn.edu/physics
Fixed Pay Rate: $20/hour
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
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