"Postdoctoral Research Associate I - Prize Fellow in Cosmological Data Analysis (Multiple)"

Position Highlights

The Arizona Cosmology Lab, a research unit of the University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO), invites applications for the Steward Observatory Prize Fellowship in Cosmological Data Analysis at the Postdoctoral Research Associate I level (multiple hires expected).

Fellows are expected to conduct independent research in cosmological data analysis with ongoing and future surveys, in particular SPHEREx, Simons Observatory, Rubin Observatory's LSST, Roman Space Telescope, and DESI. Applicants should outline their research plans to optimally extract cosmological information using one or multiple of these datasets. Priority will be given to candidates who can connect their science to SPHEREx, Simons Observatory, and LSST. Expertise in modeling cosmological observables through analytical methods or numerical simulations, machine learning, statistical inference, and data reduction is beneficial.

As members of the Arizona Cosmology Lab, fellows will be provided with priority access to UA and national supercomputing resources, close mentorship by experienced faculty, and opportunities to co-advise graduate students and mentor undergraduates. UA offers a world-class research environment in astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Sciences, the UA Data Science Institute, UA Space Institute, and NSF's NOIRLab.

Start dates range from August to October 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!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Independent Research in cosmological data analysis with ongoing and future surveys (SPHEREx, Simons Observatory, Rubin Observatory's LSST, the Roman Space Telescope, and DESI).

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

• Experience in cosmological data analysis with SPHEREx, LSST, SO, Roman, DESI, or similar surveys.
• Experience in statistical methods or machine learning.
• Experience in numerical simulations and complex analytical models.

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: 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: 3

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