"Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Multiple Positions)"

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Multiple Positions)

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, Arizona

Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req21926

Department: Steward Observatory

Location: Main Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for one or more Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in shaping the future of exoplanet science through research related to the science case of future exoplanet missions.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will work in the research group of Prof. Daniel Apai and support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your work will focus on modeling star-exoplanet observations with potential future exoplanet missions (Nautilus, Chronos) to support trade studies to optimize mission goals. The project will include simulations and characterization of exoplanet atmospheres through next-generation space-based transmission spectroscopy and the required stellar contamination correction. Your work may also involve the modeling and interpretation of similar transiting exoplanet and host star data from HST, JWST, and the upcoming Pandora mission.

Throughout your postdoctoral journey with us, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, as time permits, and will be able to apply for time on any Steward facility directly as a PI. You will be expected to collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy.

UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in space science and astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Optical Sciences, and Planetary Sciences. We provide direct access to various world-class observational and computational facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing.

Start dates range from May 2025 to August 2025.

US Citizenship or Permanent Resident status is required.

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

• Use or develop integrated, multi-component stellar photosphere/planetary atmosphere models to simulate observations of ensembles of transiting exoplanets and their host stars with potential future space telescopes (Chronos and Nautilus Space Observatory).
• Use and expand the Bioverse modeling framework to identify and study population-level hypotheses that could be tested in future exoplanet surveys.
• Help identify the most compelling science case for these missions and support relevant trade studies.
• Potentially work on similar datasets obtained by HST, JWST, and Pandora in programs led by Dr. Apai.
• Disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have completed all the requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science at the time of hire.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident status is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with a PhD in physics, astronomy, astrophysics are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: Exoplanet atmospheres, exoplanet demographics, stellar activity, time-resolved photometry/spectrophotometry, comparison of data and high-dimensionality models, stellar photospheres; space mission design and operations.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: DOE

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

Prof. Daniel Apai apai@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, cover letter, and CV (including names and contact information for three references), please include the following documents in the Additional Documents section:

• Additional Document 1: Research Statement (limit: 3 pages excluding bibliography and figures)
• Additional Document 2: List of publications