"Postdoctoral Research Associate I - Space Instrumentation"

Postdoctoral Research Associate I - Space Instrumentation

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req23547

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 multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to instrumentation and techniques for ground and space-based wavefront control and high-contrast imaging. Candidates with a range of experience outside of astronomy are encouraged to apply.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with several faculty members: Jared Males, Ewan Douglas, Patrick Ingraham, and others within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the UArizona Space Astrophysics Lab, eXtreme Wavefront Control Lab, and CAAO to support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your work will focus on problems in controls, machine learning, image reconstruction, wavefront sensing, and instrument development and test.

As time permits, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, and will be able to apply for time on any Steward facility directly as a PI, 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.

Start dates range from August 2025 to August 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

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on adaptive optics, wavefront control, space instrumentation, and exoplanet direct imaging, 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 physical science, mathematics/ data science, or engineering at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in space mission and hardware, systems engineering, testing, and operations
• Experience developing CubeSats or SmallSats or sub-orbital missions or payloads
• 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

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

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