Research Assistant

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 20 Apr 2026

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Physics and Astronomy - 319000
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 04/15/2026
Application Deadline 04/20/2026
Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Research Assistant
Position Number 20075478
Vacancy ID S027121
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $15.00 per hour
Proposed Start Date 05/18/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment 3 months or less

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
The researcher will analyze observational data to investigate how stellar activity and rotation influence the variability and perceived luminosity of low-mass stars. This will include work with TESS and ground-based light curves as well as spectroscopy taken with the SOAR telescope. This work contributes to the department’s broader mission of advancing the frontiers of astronomy and mastering quantitative reasoning.
To support research on the mass-luminosity relation for low-mass stars, with a specific focus on quantifying the effects of stellar activity, variability, and rotation on these fundamental relationships.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Management Preferences
Specific experience working with stellar rotation or activity data for late K and M dwarfs. Experience with SOAR or similar spectra.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/315927
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.

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