Postdoctoral Research Associate-Nearby Galaxies, Steward Observatory

Arizona International; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Arizona, Steward Observatory in Tucson, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focusing on nearby galaxies, dwarf galaxies, and resolved stellar populations. You will lead independent research, publish results, and mentor students, with access to premier facilities including Hubble Space Telescope imaging, James Webb Space Telescope imaging, and ground-based telescopes.

Start dates range from August 2027 to November 2027; appointment may start earlier by mutual

Qualifications

• Must have completed PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science at the time of hire.
• Experience with HST/JWST imaging is preferred.
• Proficiency in AI techniques is a bonus.

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 (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.

Skills

Independent research

Team collaboration

Publications

Education

PhD in Astronomy/Physics/Astrophysics

Tools

Hubble Space Telescope imaging

James Webb Space Telescope imaging

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate-Nearby Galaxies, Steward Observatory

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 environmentin space science and astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs acrossthe Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Optical Sciences, and PlanetarySciences. We provide direct access to various world-class observational andcomputational facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing.

• Develop andlead 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.
• Collaboratewith faculty and scholars in support of a welcoming academicenvironment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoringgraduate and undergraduate students).
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have completed all the requirements for aPhD. in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science at the time ofhire.

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

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact information for candidates

David Sand
Professor, Astronomy
[e-mail]

Open Date 11/3/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

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

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