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

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

The University of Arizona, Steward Observatory, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on high-contrast imaging, interferometry, and infrared observations with the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS instruments. You will lead an independent research program, publish results, and collaborate across the department on space- and ground-based astrophysics projects.

You will have access to world-class facilities and the opportunity to apply for telescope time as PI, with a

Qualifications

• PhD completed in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related field by hire.
• Experience in high-contrast imaging, interferometry, or infrared observations.
• Ability to lead independent research and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research program using LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS.
• Support observations, instrumentation, and data analysis for related projects.
• Collaborate with faculty and students, mentoring junior researchers.
• Publish results and present findings at conferences and seminars.
• Contribute to team planning, collaborations, and outreach activities.

Skills

High-contrast imaging

Interferometry

Infrared observations

Astronomical instrumentation

Education

PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related field

Job description

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

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 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, please click here.

Job Details

• Department: Steward Observatory
• Department Website Link: https://www.astro.arizona.edu/
• Location: Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ USA
• 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
• Open Date: 10/14/2026
• Open Until Filled: Yes

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.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Along with your CV and Cover Letter, please provide the following documents in the Additional Documents tab:

1. Research statement (limit: 3 pages)
2. List of Publications
3. Names and email addresses of references (minimum of 3)

Contact Information

Kevin Wagner

Assistant Research Professor, Steward Observatory

[e-mail]

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