Post Bachelors Intern, ngGONG

The Intern will work closely with the Next Generation GONG (ngGONG) scientists, engineers and administrators to support the design, prototyping, development, and documentation of systems that will be crucial components of the design of the new solar observation network. This is intended to be a hands-on learning experience for college degree holders in a unique setting, contributing directly to solar research and technology development and preparing them for future educational or professional development steps in a related career.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and four international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA's role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA's National Solar Observatory (NSO) operates the Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG), which has operated since 1995 and provides background synoptic observations permitting investigations of the solar interior and inputs into space weather forecasts.

Essential Functions

• Support the design, prototyping, evaluation, and development of data acquisition, optical, computer, and/or mechanical systems for a future network of solar observations.
• Document evaluation processes and outcomes.
• Make presentations at internal meetings about progress and conclusions on assigned tasks.
• Participate in project meetings to learn the broader scope of the project and focus areas.
• Participate, virtually and/or in person, in professional development offerings, including classes or mentoring sessions.
• Summer/Fall semester internship: 40 hours/week.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must have a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university.
• Basic knowledge of physical sciences, optics, engineering, and computer systems.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Availability to work on-site (NSO Headquarters, Boulder, Colorado) if needed during the internship.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet)