Scientific Research Intern

Job ID: 1940
The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), has been developing innovative technologies and solutions for cutting-edge DoD and intelligence programs for over six decades.

SDL’s internship program provides an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved with state-of-the art technologies in space-, airborne-, and ground-based systems. With the support of engineers and mentors, Interns are able to work on professional-level assignments that complement their academic studies. The program also includes training workshops, networking opportunities, and a variety of summer events and activities. Interns will be paid a competitive hourly wage and will be tasked with varying duties based on current projects, needed support, and development phase.

The SDL Geospace Program is seeking an undergraduate-level student to join our team for the summer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This internship will focus on utilizing ground-based passive optical imagers to study the dynamics of the Earth’s ionosphere. The selected Intern will obtain imager data from various sources, process the data, and analyze the data. The Intern will learn to identify phenomena such as polar cap patches, aurora, or atmospheric gravity waves. The analyzed data will be correlated with interplanetary magnetic field activity caused by the strong interaction with the sun. Applicants should have an expressed interest in aeronomy, space, space weather, data analysis, and scientific research.

This position has the potential of continued employment or transition to student/full-time employment requiring security clearance eligibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Obtains and processes data including optical, radar, and geomagnetic
• Data analysis and visualization
• Identifies features in optical data, such as polar cap patches, aurora, or gravity waves
• Correlates imager data with radar data such as from incoherent scatter radars, ionosondes, or SuperDARN
• Collaborates with a team of scientists and engineers
• Develops scientific programming analysis tools
• Documents and regularly presents work

• Experience with Python or other common programming languages
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member and the ability to be productive in a dynamic and collaborative environment
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Willingness to learn and tackle new problems
• Ability to relocate to Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a US Government security clearance

• Familiarity with Linux
• Experience with Git and Gitlab

• Currently enrolled in a science-related degree, such as Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biology, or similar
• Undergraduate student
• 3.0 GPA minimum is required

For questions or assistance with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

EOE including Disability and Vet

Last updated on Oct 28, 2024