Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy

The IINSPIRE Program, in partnership with the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), will offer internships in Summer 2021. This program is intended to provide students with work and research experience at a major astronomical observatory. The workforce of an astronomical observatory includes a wide variety of professionals with skills ranging from scientific research and software development to engineering and instrument building. Applicants are expected to have course work experience that will enable them to contribute to the work of the observatory.

The internships are expected to last approximately ten weeks. Preference will be given to third and fourth-year students (graduating Seniors are NOT eligible to participate). Agreed upon travel and living expenses will be paid in addition to a stipend of $5,000.

To determine if your institution qualifies, visit http://www.iinspirelsamp.org/alliance-institutions/. Although all applicants will be considered, special consideration will be given to science, engineering, technical and computer related fields. Our aim is to supplement your academic training and provide you with hands-on experiences under the supervision of a mentor interested in your career development. Students interested in applying should fill out the AURA IINSPIRE LSAMP online application. This form is intended to allow us to understand your level of advancement in the IINSPIRE program, your interests, and your potential to participate in our work experience program. This will help us place you and match you with a mentor best suited to your needs.

Internships introduce participants to a full range of scientific and technical skills involved in building and operating modern astronomical observatories. To accomplish research in astronomy using the most advanced telescopes, the staff at AURA’s observatories include electrical, mechanical, optical, systems and software engineers, computer scientists and other technical specialists. These individuals work in partnership with our research scientists and participate in the end-to-end development of some of the world’s most advanced astronomical instrumentation and enhance capabilities for astronomical research. The experience gained by students in the learning and research environment we offer is broadly applicable in a number of industrial settings as well.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

Incentives:
$5000 stipend, including travel and living expenses.

Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a US citizen and permanent resident.

Application:

http://iinspire.aura-astronomy.org

For more information about AURA visit:

https://www.aura-astronomy.org/

https://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity/

If you have additional questions, please contact:

Mary Darrow
IINSPIRE LSAMP Assistant Director
Iowa State University
mdarrow@iastate.edu