APS Research/Employment Opportunities

If you have an ad you would like posted, please fill out .

20 research opportunities listed at the Nov 11th Professional Development Event!!!

Supervisor: Jeremy Darling

Job: Cosmology Research Position

Job Description: Tracing large-scale structure, the distribution of matter throughout the Universe, allows us to test and constrain cosmological models. Current methods to do so require precise distance measurements and/or rely on the spatial distribution of luminous matter as a proxy for dark matter. Through a new method that mitigates these limitations, this project aims to make the first real-time measurement of large-scale structure in the local universe. To do so, we measure peculiar velocities, the motions of galaxies relative to the overall cosmic expansion.

In this project, you’ll use GAIA proper motions to calculate correlations between peculiar velocities of galaxy/quasar pairs in the local universe. Possible extensions could include comparison to the theoretical matter power spectrum and/or statistical analyses of the method’s robustness. If interested, please send a short statement describing your research interests and goals, along with a current CV.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with scientific programming. ÌýRequired: ÌýASTR 2600 (or its equivalent). ÌýRecommended: ÌýASTR 3800, ASTR 3400, or any upper-level data-focused course.

Start Date: 5/4/2026

End Date: TBD

Hours/Week: 20

Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work

Contact: elke1424@colorado.edu

Deadline Application: 4/13/2026

Supervisor: Seth Hornstein

Job: Dark Sky Observations on ̽»¨ÊÓƵ Campus

Job Description: 2 students will make nightime dark-sky observations using a hand-held sky meter around ̽»¨ÊÓƵ campus to create a "heat map"-like map of sky brightness around the campus. Can be used to identify areas of over- or under-lighting and/or lobby administration for more efficient use of lighting. Students will also produce a summary research document by the end of the semester documenting findings and discussing dark-sky implications for a college campus.

Preferred Qualifications: Appreciation of the night sky!

Start Date: 2/1/2026

End Date: 4/24/2026

Hours/Week: 3-5

Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Independent Study OR Paid Work

Contact: seth.hornstein@colorado.edu

Deadline Application: 2/13/2026

For nighttime safety, students will work as a two-person team for this project.

Supervisor: Julie Comerford

Job: Summer Astronomy Internships at Rocky Mountain National Park

Job Description: Applications are open to current CU undergraduates for two astronomy internships at Rocky Mountain National Park. The two interns will participate in nighttime astronomy programs, which include telescope viewings of the night sky and presentations about astronomy
for park visitors.Ìý

For more information on how to apply, please see:

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants should enjoy interacting with diverse audiences including children, have good communication skills, be comfortable driving at night, and be comfortable working in dark conditions on uneven surfaces.

Start Date: 6/3/2026

End Date: 8/14/2026

Hours/Week: 7 hrs/week on average

Paid work, Independent Study credit, either, or Other: Paid Work

Contact: Julie.Comerford@colorado.edu

Deadline Application: 2/27/2026

Ìý

Ìý