Job Details

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, High-Contrast Astronomy (Multiple Positions)

Posting Number
req23540

Department
Steward Observatory

Department Website Link


Location
Main Campus

Address
Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to direct imaging of exoplanets and debris disks. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work with faculty, including Ewan Douglas and others, within Steward Observatory and the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics on high-contrast imaging, debris disk science as well as the opportunity to join ongoing efforts in laboratory work demonstrating high-contrast technologies on the vacuum Space Coronagraph Optical Bench (SCoOB), coronagraphic image post-processing for existing and future space telescopes, simulation of coronagraphs for future missions including the Roman Coronagraph and future missions to image exoplanets such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory and other space telescope concepts.

UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in ground and space-based astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Sciences, and Optical Sciences. Home to the Richard F Caris Mirror Lab, a founding member of the Giant Magellan Telescope, the Aspera Pioneer mission, and the JWST NIRCam team. Steward Observatory also 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.

The position will provide opportunities for outreach and student engagement, including opportunities for collaborations with the TIMESTEP and Astronomy Camp programs, and applicants with an interest in outreach are encouraged to apply.

Multiple positions are expected to be available with start dates ranging from September 2025 to May 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

• Collaborate with faculty and scholars and develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events as needed and relevant to research agendas.
• Integrate into the department's scientific community and support a scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service.
• Additional duties asassigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have completed the requirement of a Ph.D. upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a physical science or engineering field.
• Experience in high-contrast imaging data reduction.
• Experience in exoplanet and/or debris disk science.
• 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
1.0

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

Target Hire Date
9/8/2025

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates
Carli Chmara | ...@arizona.edu

Open Date
8/6/2025

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

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In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at ...@arizona.edu.