Job Details

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Computational Stellar Astrophysics) (Updated)

Posting Number
req24359

Department
Steward Observatory

Department Website Link


Location
Main Campus

Address
Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

Please Note: This posting has been updated to include additional appointment information.

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to stellar astrophysics.

The successful candidate will work with Professor Carl Fields on topics in computational stellar astrophysics relating to massive stars and/or stellar transients using phoebus or related software instruments. Candidates with experience in code development, implementation, and leading scientific research using large-scale multi-physics software frameworks such as FLASH, Athena++, CASTRO, and other such tools are encouraged to apply. Exceptional candidates will bring demonstrated experience in programming and development in C++/Fortran as part of large multi-physics frameworks, version control workflows, running and maintaining large computational simulations on high-performance computing resources, and applications to problems in stellar astrophysics. Candidates with experience connecting computational simulations of stellar phenomena to ongoing observational multi-messenger efforts are strongly encouraged to apply.

Throughout your postdoctoral journey with us, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, as time permits, and will be able to apply for time on any Steward facility directly as a PI. You will be expected to lead high-profile, independent research in areas of theoretical and computational astrophysics, as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy. The postdoc will be encouraged to integrate into the Theory, Data and Computation Group and support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service.

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. The Successful Candidate will have priority access to commodity high performance computing resources as part of University of Arizona's High-Performance Computing ( resources including access to CPU and GPU hardware. Additional access to HPC resources at leadership compute facilities will be readily available to the successful candidate as part of external computing proposals as well.

Start date ranges from August - October 2026. This is a year-to-year appointment, expected to renew annually through July 2029 contingent on departmental need and performance.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A 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 stellar astrophysics; 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.

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

• Candidates with a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science areas, are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: computational, stellar, nuclear astrophysics of massive stars and / or stellar transients. Experience with performance-portable programming in FORTRAN/C++ and using open-source multi-physics software packages is preferred.

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

Target Hire Date
8/24/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates
Rosie Johnson

...@arizona.edu

Open Date
11/6/2025

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 attachments:

1. Research statement (limit: 3 pages)

2. List of Publications

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Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at ...@arizona.edu.