Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Multiple Positions) (UPDATED)

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to image post processing for high-contrast imaging with a focus on speckle calibration and point spread function reconstruction from wavefront sensor data.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty including Prof. Olivier Guyon and Dr. Jared Males. You will be part of the Extreme Wavefront Control Lab in the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics and the Subaru Telescope Coronagraphic Extreme AO (SCExAO) team. Your research will be conducted using the cutting edge MagAO-X and SCExAO instruments, and you will assist with experiments in NASA's Decadal Survey Testbed.

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 lead high-profile, independent research in high-contrast imaging post-processing and PSF reconstruction as well as 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.

An offer will be made in Spring 2025 with an expected start date in Fall 2025. Earlier start dates are possible.

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!

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct research on wavefront sensor telemetry based post-processing; disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.
• Develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events (e.g., talks, workshops, visitor programs, etc.) as needed and relevant to research agendas.
• Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of an inclusive academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with a PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics, Optical Science, and related fields such as Computer Science and Electrical Engineering are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: adaptive optics, wavefront control, image processing, high-contrast imaging.

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: Dr. Jared Males & Prof. Olivier Guyon, jrmales@arizona.edu & guyon@arizona.edu

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, please provide the following documents in the Additional Documents tab: Research Statement (limit 5 pages), List of Publications.