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Department of Astronomy
Note to Undergraduates: The application deadline for most Summer Research Internships is in January and early February, so you should start to put your application together early (e.g., Dec to early January) and give your letter-writers plenty of advance notice. College of Natural Sciences
University of Texas
Summer Jobs/Research Internships for Undergraduates
  • Spend your summer in the mountains of West Texas!
    Astronomy and Physics undergrads ... looking for a unique summer experience? The Frank N. Bash Visitors Center at the McDonald Observatory will be offering one summer student position to work at the University's remote campus in the heart of the mountains of West Texas. From June through August, the Visitors Center hosts nearly 20,000 visitors for an extensive array of public and educational outreach programs such as:
    • Guided Tours of some of the largest research telescopes in the world open to the public
    • Solar Viewings presenting live views of the Sun in our multimedia theater
    • Star Parties where many visitors get their first views of a truly dark sky
    • Special Viewing Nights on which visitors participate in the rare chance to actually look through the large research telescopes
    As a summer student, the successful applicant will not only participate in these programs but also learn how to present them, as well. Presenting these programs is an excellent opportunity to develop public speaking skills in addition to being an opportunity to share your knowledge of astronomy and physics.

    In addition to a competitive hourly wage, room and board will be provided in the Astronomers Lodge (AL) where both researchers and technicians stay while working at the Observatory. Dinnertime at the AL is an excellent opportunity to make contacts with researchers, graduate students, and professors from UT as well as other universities and observatories around the world. Of course, you'll also enjoy some of the darkest night skies of any major observatory in the US in addition to plenty of hiking, swimming, and other daytime activities during your free-time.

    A successful applicant will have completed, at least, Ast 307 or its equivalent. The successful candidate will have an outgoing personality, a good speaking voice, as well as, preferably, some knowledge of amateur telescopes and equipment. The candidate will also have a valid class "C" driver's license and provide a current three year driving record.

    To apply, send a resume and/or letter of interest to the Visitors Center's Senior Program Coordinator, Frank Cianciolo, at frankc@astro.as.utexas.edu. For questions, etc., use the same address or call 432-426-4152.

  • Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS)
    Exceptional undergraduate students of mathematics, engineering, computer science, and physical and life science disciplines are sought, to apply to this unique summer research program. Past RIPS project sponsors included Arete, Symantec, Amgen, Pixar, JPL, Lawrence-Livermore and Los Alamos National Labs, and others. 36 students will be in-residence at UCLA for nine weeks. Applications due February 15.
  • SETI Institute REU Program
    The SETI Institute is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2008 REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program in Astrobiology. Undergraduate students in fields such as astronomy, biology, geology, chemistry, and physics are invited to apply to spend 10 weeks in the San Francisco Bay area working on a scientific research project in the field of astrobiology. Students receive a stipend, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due by February 1, 2008.
  • Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA)
    REU program

    The Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy expects to host a "Research Experiences for Undergraduates" program sponsored by the National Science Foundation in the summer of 2008. Each SARA summer intern will work closely with a faculty mentor at one of the 10 SARA universities. In addition to observing with the SARA 0.9-m telescope at Kitt Peak in Arizona, the summer activities will include a number of social events and excursions, as well as workshops on observational techniques, data reduction, current events in astronomy, proposal writing, job opportunities in astronomy, and scientific ethics. Participants will present research results at a final workshop near the end of summer and the proceedings will be published. Stipend support for the program is $3600. Housing is provided and travel to and from the program is supported, as is an observing run at Kitt Peak National Observatory.
  • Student Writer Position with UT-Austin McDonald Observatory
    Summer position involves writing for non-technical audience on astronomers and astronomical research, under the supervision of McDonald Observatory's Press Officer. (posted 4/10/07)
  • The Summer Science Program
    Ready to be filled--need TAs--high pay--contact now for first hand account! (1/18/07) agnes@astro.as.utexas.edu
    Teaching Assistants act as tutors and mentors, and assist students in using astronomical equipment and personal computers, under the direction of two senior faculty. They also organize recreational and social activities, and deliver one or more lectures on topics of their own choosing. Applicants should be graduate students, graduating seniors, or rising college seniors, majoring in physical science or engineering. SSP alumni are especially encouraged to apply.
  • Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
    Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). These REU programs only accept students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Students must contact the individual REU sites for information and application materials. Of special interest might be the REU program at McDonald Observatory
  • Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) summer program
    This program takes both US and international students. STScI manages the science mission of Hubble and of the next generation James Webb Space Telescope for NASA and provides a very dynamic science setting.
  • ASTRON/JIVE International Summer Students Programme
    In the Netherlands. The Programme enables astronomy students (graduate or advanced undergraduate) to spend the summer (10 to 12 weeks) at the Dwingeloo Observatory, conducting astronomical research under the supervision of ASTRON and JIVE staff members.
  • REU at the Synchrotron Radiation Center (SRC)
    In Madison, WI. The SRC uses an electron storage ring to provide synchrotron light as a tool for doing scientific research.
American Astronomical Society (AAS)
National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO)
NASA (NASA)




 




26 February 2008
Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
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