Astronomy/Astrophysics Undergraduate Research Assistant
Job Description
The University of California Observatories (UCO) at UC Santa Cruz invites applications for an undergraduate research assistant position for a motivated freshman or sophomore majoring in Physics or Astronomy.
This position focuses on a data-driven analysis of astronomy publication productivity, with an emphasis on observations conducted at Lick Observatory. The project is well suited for students interested in astronomical research, data analysis, and understanding how major observatory facilities contribute to scientific output.
Project Description
The initial phase of the project will involve:
Identifying and compiling refereed publications using NASA’s Astrophysics Data System (ADS).
Working independently on the student’s own computer to query, organize, and analyze bibliographic data.
Classifying publications by telescopes and instrument (e.g., APF, Adaptive Optics systems, Kast Spectrograph, Nickel Telescope, etc.).
Analyzing trends in productivity across instruments and over time.
This analysis will form the foundation for a short research note on Lick Observatory instrument productivity, with the student expected to be a co-author.
Potential follow-on work includes:
Comparing astronomy publication productivity at UC/Lick with other major university-based astronomy programs (e.g., Harvard, University of Texas, Caltech).
Exploring metrics of scientific impact and facility usage across large research institutions.
Skills and Experience Gained
Practical experience using NASA ADS, a core research tool used by professional astronomers worldwide
Training in literature analysis and research metrics valuable for future research projects, REUs, and graduate study
Experience working independently with real scientific datasets
Exposure to how major astronomical facilities translate into scientific output
Required skills, knowledge, and abilities:
- Best for a freshman or sophomore with standing at UCSC
- Major in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field
- Strong attention to detail and interest in quantitative analysis
- Familiarity with basic data analysis tools (spreadsheets or similar) is helpful but not required
- Curiosity about astronomical research workflows
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: