Postdoctoral Research Associate - Instrumentation, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition reduction

Job summary

The University of Arizona in Tucson invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Instrumentation within Steward Observatory. The role focuses on polarimetry, PUFFINS, and upgrading ground-based polarimeters, with opportunities for independent research and PI time on Steward facilities.

Start dates range from January 2027 to June 2027; benefits include comprehensive health and tuition reduction.

Qualifications

• Must have completed all requirements for a PhD by time of hire.
• Preferred: PhD in Astronomical Instrumentation.
• Research experience in polarimetry, optical design/analysis, space telescopes or related instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda in polarimetry and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with faculty and groups to advance PUFFINS and other instruments.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and organize collaborative meetings.
• Publish results and present at conferences.

Skills

polarimetry

instrumentation

leadership

Education

PhD in Astronomy/Optical Sciences or related

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Instrumentation, Steward Observatory

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Instrumentation, Steward Observatory

Posting Number req27362

Department Steward Observatory

Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu

Location Tucson 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 research related to polarimetry.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with several faculty members, including Ramya Anche, Kyle Van Gorkom, Ewan Douglas, Grant Williams, and others within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the space telescope concept group and instrumentation groups and support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your work will focus on polarimetry, particularly the design, AI&T, and calibration of PUFFINS (NASA Astrophysics Pioneers mission), as well as upgrading existing ground-based optical/NIR polarimeters for the MMT telescope.

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 space- and ground-based instrumentation projects, 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 January 2027 to June 2027.

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 polarimetry and instrumentation, disseminate work through publications and presentations, and 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 a supportive academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings and supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have completed all the requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, OpticalSciences, or a related science by the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with a PhD in Astronomical Instrumentation are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas is desirable: polarimetry, optical design and analysis, space telescopes and instruments, and integration and testing.

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 3/1/2027

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Ramya Anche, PhD
Assistant Research Professor, Steward Observatory
[e-mail]

Open Date 10/15/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

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

Special Instructions to Applicant

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Cover Letter.
• Research Statement (limit: 5 pages).
• List of Publications.
• Names and email addresses of references (minimum of 3).

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