Posting Information
Posting Information
Department
Physics and Astronomy - 319000
Career Area
Research Professionals
Posting Open Date
06/03/2026
Application Deadline
06/05/2026
Position Type
Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Research Assistant
Position Number
20076718
Vacancy ID
S027594
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week
40
Work Schedule
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$13.90 per hour
Proposed Start Date
06/15/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment
Less than 1 month
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
consistently ranks as
one of the nation’s top public universities
. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of
professional training opportunities
for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy
exclusive perks
that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
Our primary mission is providing instruction of the highest quality in physics and astronomy to undergraduate and graduate students at UNC -CH. Training in physics is fundamental among the natural sciences because it provides understanding of the forces governing the structure of matter, from subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe. Our departmental instructional mission spans all segments of the student community. Over 60% of all college graduates from UNC -CH have taken a course in our department. Among them: undergraduate liberal arts majors who should master the power of quantitative reasoning; undergraduates seeking a degree in another of the natural sciences, who need physics as a foundation for their advanced scientific training; the small number of undergraduates who major in physics, to whom we provide broad and rigorous training. Our graduate education and research advances frontiers of knowledge at the two extremes of space and time, from the very small) the realm of particle physics) to the very large (the realm of astronomy, while expanding the boundaries of knowledge in the many subfields spanning length scales between. Forefront physics and astronomy research requires access to well-equipped laboratories and extensive computing capabilities; it also must be supported by comprehensive and accessible library collections. Again, in research at this advanced level, the bridging aspect of physics provides basic interdisciplinary insight for many other sciences. This instructional mission is supported by a strong managerial, administrative, and technical staff. Duties of these employees range from budget planning and management for the numerous research grants held by faculty in the department to maintaining course and student records. These activities are usually accomplished in a standard 40- hour week schedule.
Position Summary
Analysis of Swift X-Ray Telescope and Zwicky Transient Facility archival data. The Research Assistant will search the data for tidal disruption events.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Management Preferences
Familiarity with astronomical data analysis, photometry
Python coding, and X-ray astronomy background
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/320150
Temporary Employment Policies
Temporary Employment Policies
Posting Contact Information
Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to
employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.