Villanova University
Research Assistant
Posting Details
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Posting Details (Default Section) Posting Number:20260363SPosition Title:Research AssistantPosition Type:StaffLocation:Villanova, PARecruitment Type:Internal/External ApplicantsWork Schedule:full-time/12-monthsAvg Hours WeekDepartment:186-PhysicsPosition Summary:This position is in direct support of NASA grants related to X-ray and optical observations of the supermassive black holes M87* and Sgr A* in connection with the Event Horizon Telescope campaigns on these sources. The employee will perform imaging, spectral, and variability analysis of recent observations. The primary goal will be to understand the spectral evolution of these sources, both in the X-ray band and across the electromagnetic spectrum, in collaboration with partners from the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration. The employee will also contribute to publication and dissemination of the knowledge gained from the effort.Why work at Villanova?
- Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
- Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
- Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.Duties and Responsibilities:
- Data reduction: joint astrometry of Chandra, NuSTAR, and XMM-Newton observations and the extraction of data products including lightcurves, images, spectra, and response files. May also include optical or ultraviolet observations from Hubble and Swift.
- Imaging and variability: analysis of the spatial emission structure of relevant datasets, including the relative brightness and morphology of core, jet, and surrounding regions. Search for changes in intensity on different timescales.
- Spectroscopy: separate and joint spectral analysis of spatially resolved emission regions using X-ray and optical/UV datasets. Determination of the intensity and spectral shape for different regions over time.
- Multiwavelegth modeling: collaborate with partners from the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration to produce and model the multiwavelength spectral energy energy distribution.
- Presentation: The results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals, and it is expected that the employee will play a role in these publications including preparation of figures and writing text.
- Meetings with team and group members to clarify work, define tasks, and present/discuss results.
- BA/BS in Physics, Astronomy, or related fields
- Knowledge of observational astronomy and experience with telescopes and CCDs
- Experience with programming, data analysis, and modeling
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Special Message to Applicants:Posting Date:07/20/2026Closing Date (11:59pm ET):07/27/2026Salary Posting Information: $21.98/hr.Salary Grade:11Job Classification:non-exempt
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