Postdoctoral Research Associate-Nearby Galaxies, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona

Tucson (AZ)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 75,000

Full time

2 days ago
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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Paid vacation and holidays
Tuition reduction for employee and/or家

Job summary

The University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Professor David Sand and colleagues on nearby and dwarf galaxies, and resolved stellar populations. The role involves analyzing photometric and spectroscopic data from ground- and space-based facilities.

You will lead independent projects, collaborate across astronomy groups, mentor students, and present results.

Qualifications

  • PhD completed by time of hire.
  • Experience leading a research agenda and collaborations.
  • Strong record of publications may be expected.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on nearby galaxies, dwarf galaxies and resolved stellar populations; disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.
  • Develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events as needed and relevant to research agendas.
  • Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a welcoming academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Independent research
Mentoring/leadership
Collaborative skills

Education

PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related field

Job description

Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate-Nearby Galaxies, Steward Observatory

Posting Number

req27526

Department

Steward Observatory

Department Website Link

https://www.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 who will work with Professor David Sand and collaborators on the general topics of nearby galaxies, dwarf galaxies, and resolved stellar populations. The successful candidate will help lead large, ongoing projects primarily focused on photometric and spectroscopic studies of dwarf galaxies, stellar halos, and globular clusters around the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. These programs utilize deep imaging from wide-field ground-based cameras, Hubble Space Telescope imaging, James Webb Space Telescope imaging, and kinematic/spectroscopic datasets. Observational facilities at Steward include the 2x8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, the 6.5m MMT, the twin 6.5m Magellan telescopes, and an assortment of 1-2m class telescopes.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with the faculty of the Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory. You will be encouraged to integrate into any of our many research groups and support a collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service.

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 centered on nearby galaxies, dwarf galaxies, and resolved stellar populations as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy.

Start dates range from August 2027 to November 2027. The appointment may start earlier if mutually agreed.

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

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.

  • Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on nearby galaxies, dwarf galaxies and resolved stellar populations; 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.
  • Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a welcoming academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
  • Additional duties as assigned.
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
  • Research experience with Hubble Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope imaging is desired, but all interested applicants should apply.
  • Proficiency in AI techniques is a bonus.
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

Contact Information for Candidates

David Sand
Professor, Astronomy
dsand@arizona.edu

Open Date

11/3/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

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