Postdoctoral Research Associate - Instrumentation, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

The University of Arizona is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Instrumentation within Steward Observatory. The role focuses on polarimetry and PUFFINS-related instrumentation, with opportunities to upgrade ground-based polarimeters and collaborate across astronomy and optical sciences groups.

You will lead an independent research program, publish results, apply for telescope time as PI, and contribute to a collaborative scholarly environment.

Qualifications

• Must have completed all the requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, Optical Sciences, or a related science by the time of hire.
• Candidates with a PhD in Astronomical Instrumentation are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to polarimetry, optical design and analysis, space telescopes and instruments, and integration and testing is desirable.

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.

Education

PhD in Astronomy/Optical Sciences or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Instrumentation, Steward Observatory

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 relocation services.

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, Optical Sciences, 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.

Employment Details

Full Time

FLSA: Exempt

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

Open Until Filled: Yes

Open Date: 10/15/2026

Contact Information

Ramya Anche, PhD

Assistant Research Professor, Steward Observatory

[e-mail]

Additional Information

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