"Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory"

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req23798

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 Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in advancing spectroscopic studies of exoplanet atmospheres.

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 the modeling and interpretation of transiting exoplanet and host star data from JWST, and the upcoming Pandora mission. The Eyes on the Stars JWST Archival program aims to study host stellar heterogeneity and correct for its impact on JWST observations of transiting exoplanets. The NASA Pandora SmallSat is launching in the next months and will be the first space telescope dedicated to exoplanet transmission spectroscopy. Pandora will study stellar contamination of transit spectra in 20 select exoplanet systems.

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 December 1, 2025 to May 1, 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

• Reduce and analyze exoplanet transmission spectroscopy data from the James Webb Space Telescope project "Eyes on the Stars"; and the Pandora SmallSat.
• Use or develop integrated, multi-component stellar photosphere/planetary atmosphere models to simulate observations of ensembles of transiting exoplanets and their host stars to interpret observations with the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, and the NASA Pandora SmallSat.
• Disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a welcoming 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

• PhD in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics is 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.

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: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

Professor Daniel Apai | apai@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

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

Special Instructions to Applicant

Along with your CV and cover letter, please provide the three additional documents below:

1. Research Statement (limit four (4) pages excluding bibliography and figures).
2. List of Publications.
3. Names and contact information of three references.