Research Technician

Research Technician Position 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. This position is paid by an external grant. 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 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. Minimum Qualifications Formal Education: Bachelor’s degree in physics or related area. Work Experience: 1-2 years’ experience required; relevant classroom experience may be considered in lieu of professional work experience. Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills): Familiarity with technical writing, facility of communication with faculty and students Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area) Fundamental undergraduate physics; electronic transport measurements; computer programming and interfacing; data analysis; general laboratory safety Equipment Knowledge: General electronics operation; soldering iron; optical microscope; electronics test equipment (voltmeters, oscilloscopes, detectors); general hardware tools. Preferred Qualifications Formal Education: Master’s or Doctoral degree in physics or related area. Work Experience: 3+ years of physics research experience. Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area): Minimum requirements plus knowledge of van der Waals materials exfoliation and assembly; solid state physics; spectroscopy and microwave measurements; microfabrication in clean room facilities; cryogenic measurements; microwave signals; CAD (DesignCAD, LayoutEditor, or similar) Equipment Knowledge: Minimum requirements plus knowledge of some/all of the following: atomic force microscope, electron beam lithography machines, reactive ion etchers, plasma etchers, metal deposition chambers, various cryostats, vacuum chambers, Raman spectrometers. Other: Previous experience performing experiments as users at a National Lab. Salary and Benefits Salary: $47,500-56,900 (Salaried grade12). Posting Date: 07/03/2026; Closing Date:11:59pmET. #J-18808-Ljbffr