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TIMESTEP Research Apprenticeship

Applications are now open for TIMESTEP's 2026-27 Research Apprenticeship Program. See the details and application information below.

TIMESTEP’s Research Apprenticeship Program began in 2022 under the leadership of Dr. Gurtina Besla and Dr. Ewan Douglas. The program provides 2nd year UArizona astronomy and physics majors a paid opportunity to build technical and professional skills that are transferable to both research and industry. Through weekly professional development workshops, along with skills-building projects in a research group overseen by a faculty advisor, the program teaches the necessary computing and hardware skills for students to land competitive positions. These skills include:

CORE (completed by all interns) 

  • Reading scientific papers
  • Literature review & NASA Astrophysics Data System
  • Linux Command Line/Terminal
  • Python
  • Data visualization (Numpy & Matplotlib)
  • Data Handling (Numpy, Astropy, Pandas)
  • Version control- Git, GitHub, Git Client
  • Overleaf- LaTeX
  • Debugging (reading error messages/Stack overflow)
  • SSH/Remote Access & HPC
  • Databases/SQL

ADDITIONAL (project-dependent)

  • Computer Vision (Image Processing- e.g. Open CV and some Scikit image processing features)
  • Machine Learning (e.g. PyTorch)/AI/Statistical Methods
  • Drafting (r/t Solidworks, CAD)
  • Introductory optics
  • Instrumentation/lab skills- soldering, circuitry, signal generator, 3D printing, Raspberry pi & Arduino
  • And more!

The posters below are from the 2024-25 Research Apprenticeship cohort, presented at our poster session at Steward Observatory on April 21, 2025. Click on each poster to enlarge it for viewing.

Faculty mentors for this cohort included Dr. Ewan Douglas, Dr. Tim Eifler, Dr. Eduardo Rozo, Dr. Dan Marrone, Dr. Erika Hamden, Dr. Carl Fields, and Dr. Eric Pearce.

The posters below are from the 2023-24 Research Apprenticeship cohort, presented at our poster session at Steward Observatory on April 18, 2024. Click on each poster to enlarge it for viewing.

Faculty mentors for this cohort included Dr. Ewan Douglas, Dr. Tim Eifler, Dr. Eduardo Rozo, and Dr. Dan Marrone.

2026-27 advertisement:

Coming soon

Guidelines for Applications
2026-27 TIMESTEP Research Apprenticeship Program

Eligibility: 

  • All applicants must be enrolled as a UArizona student majoring in astronomy and/or physics
  • Must be in your 2nd/sophomore year, as determined by credits, for the year in which you'll participate
  • Prerequisites that must be completed by the start of the fall 2026 semester (can be transfer credits, high school AP exam credits, or classes taken in summer 2026):
    • One of CSC 110, ECE 175, or an equivalent intro to computer programming in Python. This can be taken in the summer, with a record verifying completion submitted before the program begins.
    • Calculus I (Math 122AB or Math 125) and Calculus II (Math 129)
    • Intro Mechanics (Phys 141 or 161H)
  • International students are eligible to apply

Additional Information:

  • This is a PAID research position! You will be hired as a student worker for 10 hours per week at $16.50 per hour.
  • Corequisite: You will need to enroll in ASTR 276 for Fall 2026. This is a 2 credit elective for majors that will focus on building research skills. This class will meet Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 - 9:50 am.
  • Weekly Research Apprenticeship workshops will take place Fridays at 2:00 - 3:30 pm. These are required and attendance is expected, just like the rest of your classes.

Here are some helpful guidelines to help you prepare your application:

  1. Do NOT rush to apply! Applications are due at midnight on March 22nd, 2026. There is no advantage to submitting your application significantly earlier. Take advantage of the supports offered and take the time you need to prepare your materials.
     

  2. Work on your resume. This example tech resume is the required format for this application. Please include all relevant information as shown in the example, including your GPA. View some example undergraduate resumes here from former TIMESTEP interns. Be sure to include research experiences, significant class projects, technical skills (including programming languages & operating systems), and jobs and clubs (including in high school). 


    The College of Science Career Center offers students resume writing support. Book an appointment in Handshake. On the website home page, watch a step-by-step video on how to book an appointment in Handshake with Alex.
     

  3. Get an unofficial transcript from the Office of the Registrar to upload: Instructions for online access 
     

  4. Complete the online application by midnight March 22nd, 2026- You will be asked to upload your resume and transcript, so have those ready in pdf format.
    Here is a list of the application questions so you can review these in advance of completing the form online:

    Here is the Qualtrics link to apply: Application link here

 

TIMESTEP's Research Apprenticeship is supported by the Office of Societal Impact in U of A's Office of Research and Partnerships and the University of Arizona's Office of the Provost.