Research Assistant — Astronomy & STEM Education (Remote, Contract) Schwarzes Loch, LLC Las Vegas, NV Job Details Contract $20 an hour 18 hours ago Benefits Flexible schedule Qualifications Research proposal writing Market analysis Community outreach Astronomy Education Content analysis Physics
STEM/STEAM
education curriculum Outreach events (outreach initiatives) K-12 education instructional development Full Job Description Research Assistant — Astronomy & STEM Education (Remote, Contract) We are seeking a motivated graduate student or recent graduate with a background in astronomy, physics, science education, or a related field to support a consulting project focused on astronomy and STEM programming for girls K-12 in Southern Nevada. This is a three-month remote contract engagement with flexible hours, compensated as a flat project fee. This is a collaborative engagement — you will work closely with the senior consultant through regular check-ins and ongoing communication. This is not a set-it-and-forget-it contract; we work together.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The project is a rigorous strategic overview for a regional nonprofit examining the feasibility and design of an astronomy and STEM education program, including a potential observatory at a dark-sky camp site. The research will inform real decisions by organizational leadership and a board of directors. This is substantive, meaningful work — not busywork.
RESEARCH TASKS INCLUDE
— Literature review: K-12 girls in STEM retention frameworks and best practices —
Benchmarking:
comparable astronomy and outdoor science programs at similar institutions nationally — Market assessment: Clark County and Nevada school district demand for astronomy programming — Stakeholder outreach: identifying and contacting decision-makers in the Nevada K-12 educational system — district administrators, curriculum coordinators, school principals — and conducting structured interviews or written questionnaires via Zoom or email to assess interest and demand — Partnership landscape: university, community college, and institutional collaboration models — Program logistics: staffing models, dark sky requirements, overnight programming for younger girls — Fundraising landscape: grant opportunities and donor appetite for astronomy capital projects
IDEAL CANDIDATE
— Graduate student or recent graduate in astronomy, physics, science education, curriculum design, nonprofit management, or a related field — Demonstrated interest in STEM education, science outreach, or girls and women in STEM — Strong research and writing skills — ability to synthesize from multiple sources into clear, accessible prose for a non-scientist audience — Comfortable reaching out cold to professional contacts and conducting interviews or administering questionnaires — Self-directed and reliable, with strong professional communication habits — Comfortable working remotely with regular communication and collaborative feedback loops A background in astronomy or space science is a significant plus. Experience with nonprofit or educational organizations is welcome but not required.
TO APPLY
Please submit a resume or CV and two to three paragraphs of writing aimed at a general or non-specialist audience — a public abstract, a proposal excerpt, a grant narrative, or similar. We want to see how you communicate science to people outside your field. Compensation is a flat project fee, negotiated based on experience. This position may also qualify for academic credit depending on your institution. Remote. Flexible schedule. Immediate start preferred.
