Interns-to-Scholars (I2S) Molecular Dynamics of Titan's Lakes

Job Vacancy Number: 8812424# | All on-campus jobs can be Federal Work-Study jobs 

Position Overview
Titan is a moon of Saturn and with Earth they are the only places in the solar system known to have persist liquids on their surfaces. This proposed project is part of a larger effort to understand the surface of Titan. The lakes are primarily comprised of molecular nitrogen, methane, and ethane, with smaller amounts of other molecules. This project entails performing molecular simulations of these systems to quantify thermodynamics and dynamics of these systems. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Use high performance computing, write some code, and perform computational chemistry calculations.
• Learning the basics of this, enough to get started, typically takes about 10 hours.
• They will then work the collaborative team including researchers from Chemistry, Astronomy, and Lowell Observatory to understand Titan and other places in the outer solar system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be an active NAU student (i.e. enrolled in classes and degree- or certification-seeking)
• Minimum GPA of 2.0

Federal Work-Study eligible students are encouraged to apply.

Additional Benefits 

This project is part of a larger collaboration, with many active pieces. While the student will primarily work with the faculty mentor to run simulations, they will interact with researchers collecting observational data with telescopes and laboratory data with a chamber capable of cooling to 20 K (- 400°F). The student will be able to build relationships with these researchers and see in real time how their research fits into many aspects of how we understand the solar system. 

Time Commitment 

6 hrs/week for 15 weeks 

Application Instructions

In place of a cover letter, applicants will need to upload answers to the following questions in a separate document: 

1. What are your academic and professional goals and how do they relate to this internship? (This should provide enough information for a potential faculty member to see that you’ve thought about the relationship between this internship opportunity and your short and long term goals. Be specific!) 

2. Why are you interested in this particular internship? (This is your opportunity to show your enthusiasm for this specific internship; the faculty mentor should be able to learn something about your personality, your work ethic, related experiences that you may have had, etc. It should read like the body of a cover letter.) 

3. What are your qualifications and experience that will make you a good fit for this internship? (Be sure to address the tasks, skills, and additional eligibility requirements (if any) in the description of the internship.) 

4. Availability: List the days/times you would be available to work on this internship this next semester. For example: Mondays 2-3pm; TuTh 8-9:30am; Wednesdays 1-5pm 

5. Professional Reference: Provide the name and email (or phone number) of an NAU faculty or staff member as a reference for you. If you do not have an NAU faculty or staff that could serve as a reference, please list a past supervisor, teacher, or mentor.

In accordance with President Cruz Rivera’s December 5, 2023, the lowest paid wage for student employees at NAU will increase to $15.50 effective July 1, 2024.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.  Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.  EEO Law Poster  NAU is an Employer of National Service.  AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.