Research Professor, Steward Observatory

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites candidates to apply to the role of Research Professor. In this position, the successful candidate will support space instrumentation projects within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics and the UA Space Astrophysics Lab. The faculty member will bridge the gap between science and engineering, working closely with astronomers and engineers to design, build, and commission world-class missions. This position will support new and in-progress space instruments for space-based wide-field astronomy, coronagraphy, and spectropolarimetry; and advancing the technology readiness of a variety of approaches through development, test, and publication.

Recently selected to build the Lazuli instruments, the PUFFINS CubeSat, and home to the Aspera Pioneer and JWST NIRCam teams, Steward Observatory provides direct access to various world-class facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing. Among these are the Large Binocular Telescope and 6.5m aperture telescopes located in both the northern and southern hemispheres and applicants would be eligible to submit their own science proposals and lead independent research programs.

As a senior member of the research team, the successful candidate will play an active role in defining strategic priorities. Recently completed facilities include the UASAL thermal vacuum chamber and Space Coronagraph Optical Bench for vacuum testing of instruments and small satellites and the recently completed Space Institute Applied Research Building, which brings a range of assembly and environmental test capabilities to support the role.

This career-track appointment is not eligible for tenure. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work assignment in conversation with the supervisor.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support instrumentation projects within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics.
• Bridging the gap between science and engineering, work closely with scientists and engineers to develop and deploy space instruments.
• Research the technology readiness of novel solutions.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy, optics, physics, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in developing space instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wavefront sensing and observatory pointing, astrometry, and guiding.
• Experience in visible light sensors and telescope optics.
• Experience in agile development.
• Experience in modern software practices and documentation including python and git.
• Experience managing design priorities across teams.
• Experience leading the build or commissioning of an astronomical instrument or observatory.
• Experience mentoring students, postdocs, junior engineers and junior faculty.
• Experience in space astronomy or planetary science.