Doane Observatory Undergraduate Student Research Intern

Part-Time Temporary Position

About the Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. Whether it is introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, Adler’s focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century.

Today, the museum hosts more than half a million visitors each year and reaches millions more through youth STEM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach projects. With Adler’s support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to explore their universe together and return to their communities ready to think critically and creatively about any challenge that comes their way.

The Position

The Adler Planetarium is seeking two Doane Observatory Undergraduate Student Research Interns to join our dynamic team located on Chicago's Museum Campus. The interns will carry out research on asteroids and exoplanets in collaboration with the Adler’s Doane Observatory Research Team. They will be responsible for:

• Expanding astronomical knowledge through hands-on learning experiences and projects.

• Using the Doane Observatory to capture images of astrophysical objects.

• Analyzing data and documenting results.

• Engaging in strategic planning discussions with the Doane Research Team.

• Communicating consistently and effectively with staff and peers about project progress and challenges.

***Program Dates: July 9, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024***

The internship spans a 6-week period (see dates above), requiring a commitment of 12 hours per week. The core internship hours are scheduled Tuesday through Thursday during daytime hours for 4 hours per day. However, during weeks 2-3 ( July 16-25 ), activities involving data collection with the Doane Observatory telescope will necessitate a shift in hours to 8 pm-12 midnight on selected days.

PT The Compensation & Benefits

Base Pay: range: $17.20/hr.

Work-Life Balance

• 3 Sick Days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)

• Flexible work arrangements

• Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty

Retirement Savings Plan

• 403B plan with Adler match

• Adler match is 100% vested immediately

• Eligible to enroll as of the date of hire

Network of Support through our EAP programs

• Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues

• Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services

• Free subscription to the Calm Premium app

Discounted Onsite Parking Passes

Commuter flexible spending account

Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions

The Person

We are seeking undergraduate students who are excited to apply their skills and creativity to explore the wonders of our Universe. We value strong communication skills, a collaborative team spirit, and a passion for learning.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a 2-year community college or a 4-year college or university.

• Completed at least one algebra course.

• Comfort with computers including computer file systems & file organization, Google Suite, and spreadsheets.

Preferred Qualifications: (note: we strongly encourage all interested candidates to apply, even if you may not meet all of the following criteria)

• Majoring in math, physics, astronomy, astrophysics, education, data science, or computer science.

• Some college-level coursework in math, physics, computer science, or astronomy.

• Some exposure to computer coding.

The Adler Planetarium is dedicated to complying with its obligations as an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Jenean Featherson by email at recruiting@adlerplanetarium.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.