Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (High-Contrast Imaging & Interferometry)

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Relocation assistance

Tuition reduction for employee and 3/f

Job summary

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on high-contrast imaging, interferometry, and observations with the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI). You will join the SHARK-NIR and SHARK-VIS teams and lead independent research leveraging LBTI capabilities.

The position includes potential collaboration with INAF, time allocation as PI, mentoring students, and contributing to publications and public-engagement

Qualifications

• Must have completed all requirements for a PhD in Astronomy/Physics by the time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS instruments; disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.

Skills

Independent researcher

Mentoring

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Astronomy

Tools

LBTI

SHARK-NIR

SHARK-VIS

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (High-Contrast Imaging & Interferometry)

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (High-Contrast Imaging & Interferometry)

Posting Number req27350

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 interested in research related to high-contrast imaging, high-angular-resolution, and interferometric observations with the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT).

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will be encouraged to integrate into the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI) group and support a collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your work will focus on supporting observations with the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS instruments and on the scientific exploitation of their uniquely complementary capabilities.

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. Uniquely, you will become a remote member of the SHARK-NIR and SHARK-VIS teams as well and receive a secondary affiliation with the Italian National Astrophysics Institute (INAF), which means you will be able to apply for LBT time through the Italian time allocation process as PI as well. You will be expected to lead high-profile, independent research that optimally uses the capabilities of the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS, such as (but not limited to) the high-contrast imaging of exoplanets and circumstellar disks, 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 February 2027 to August 2027.

Outstanding U of A benefits including 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, please click here .

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on the scientific exploitation of the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS instruments; disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public-engagement opportunities.
• Support science observations, instrumentation and commissioning efforts, planning, data reduction, and publications related to LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS.
• 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 collaborative 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 by the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Astronomy.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: high-contrast imaging, interferometry, infrared observations, astronomical instrumentation.
• Two years of applicable experience.

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 Kevin Wagner
Assistant Research Professor, Steward Observatory
[e-mail]

Open Date 10/14/2026

Open Until Filled Yes