Temporary Technical- VTS Staff TA

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Vanderbilt University seeks a part‑time, temporary Research Assistant to join the Karan Jani Lab. Under the mentorship of faculty and a postdoctoral researcher, the assistant will contribute to cutting‑edge gravitational‑wave data analysis, develop and maintain computational workflows, and help communicate scientific results. This role offers hands‑on experience with data‑intensive astrophysics research and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Process, analyze, and interpret gravitational‑wave and related astrophysical data under faculty and postdoc guidance.
• Implement, execute, and maintain computational data‑analysis workflows.
• Perform quantitative and statistical analyses, verifying accuracy and consistency of results.
• Generate figures, tables, and summaries to communicate findings.
• Review scientific literature and apply established methods to research tasks.
• Maintain organized code, data products, analysis records, and documentation for reproducibility.
• Participate in research meetings, presenting updates on assigned activities.
• Troubleshoot and document computational pipelines and software tools.
• Assist with other research‑related duties supporting the laboratory’s scientific objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, data science, or a related quantitative field.
• Experience with scientific computing and statistical data analysis, preferably using Python.
• Familiarity with large scientific datasets and reproducible workflow practices.
• Knowledge of gravitational‑wave data analysis methods or computational astrophysics is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with faculty, postdocs, and team members.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with version control systems (e.g., Git) and software development best practices.
• Attention to detail and ability to evaluate data for accuracy.
• Ability to manage time and meet project deadlines.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.