"Postdoctoral Research Associate I, High-Contrast Astronomy (Multiple Positions)"

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, High-Contrast Astronomy (Multiple Positions)

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req23540

Department: Steward Observatory

Location: Main Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to direct imaging of exoplanets and debris disks. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work with faculty, including Ewan Douglas and others, within Steward Observatory and the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics on high-contrast imaging, debris disk science as well as the opportunity to join ongoing efforts in laboratory work demonstrating high-contrast technologies on the vacuum Space Coronagraph Optical Bench (SCoOB), coronagraphic image post-processing for existing and future space telescopes, simulation of coronagraphs for future missions including the Roman Coronagraph and future missions to image exoplanets such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory and other space telescope concepts.

UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in ground and space-based astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Sciences, and Optical Sciences. Home to the Richard F Caris Mirror Lab, a founding member of the Giant Magellan Telescope, the Aspera Pioneer mission, and the JWST NIRCam team. Steward Observatory also provides direct access to various world-class facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing. Among these are the Large Binocular Telescope and 6.5m aperture telescopes located in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and applicants would be eligible to submit their own science proposals.

The position will provide opportunities for outreach and student engagement, including opportunities for collaborations with the TIMESTEP and Astronomy Camp programs, and applicants with an interest in outreach are encouraged to apply.

Multiple positions are expected to be available with start dates ranging from September 2025 to May 2026.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty and scholars and develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events as needed and relevant to research agendas.
• Integrate into the department's scientific community and support a scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have completed the requirement of a Ph.D. upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a physical science or engineering field.
• Experience in high-contrast imaging data reduction.
• Experience in exoplanet and/or debris disk science.
• Experience building, operating, or testing astronomical instruments or telescopes on the ground or in space.
• Experience contributing to open-source software or hardware projects.
• Experience with technical communication.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 2

Contact Information for Candidates

Carli Chmara | cchmara@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicant

Along with your application, CV, and cover letter, please provide the following additional documents:

• Additional Document 1: Two-page Statement of Research Experience and Interest.
• Additional Document 2: Names and email addresses of three references.