Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)

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 invites applications for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in the Arizona Cosmology Lab within Steward Observatory. Fellows pursue independent cosmology research, spanning theory, simulations, and data analysis across major surveys, with strong mentorship and opportunities to co-advise students.

Start dates range Aug–Oct 2027. Benefits include comprehensive health plans and tuition support for eligible family members, with a salary aligned to NIH

Qualifications

• Must have completed all PhD requirements by time of hire.
• Experience in cosmological data analysis and modeling is preferred.
• Familiarity with current and upcoming surveys or experiments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in cosmological data analysis across ongoing surveys.
• Develop theoretical and computational studies of large-scale structure.
• Develop line intensity mapping and cross-correlations with galaxy and CMB surveys.
• Contribute to research under mentorship and collaborate with graduate students.

Skills

Independent research

Data analysis

Numerical modeling

Machine-learning methods

Education

PhD in Astronomy/Physics/Astrophysics

Tools

SPHEREx

Roman ST

LSST

GW astrophysics

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)

Posting Number req27287

Department Steward Observatory

Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu/

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Arizona Cosmology Lab, a research unit of the University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO), invites applications for the Arizona Cosmology Lab Fellowship (multiple hires expected).

Fellows conduct independent research in cosmological data analysis broadly, spanning research in theoretical and numerical modeling of cosmological, astrophysical, and gravitational-wave observables; development of statistical-inference and machine-learning methods; direct analysis of current and future surveys or experiments.

As members of the Arizona Cosmology Lab, fellows will be provided with priority access to UA and national supercomputing resources, close mentorship by experienced faculty, and opportunities to co-advise graduate students and mentor undergraduates. UA offers a world-class research environment in astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Sciences, the UA Data Science Institute, UA Space Institute, and NSF's NOIRLab.

Start dates range from August – October 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!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Independent Research incosmological data analysis with ongoing and future surveys (SPHEREx, SimonsObservatory, Rubin Observatory's LSST, the Roman Space Telescope, and DESI).
• Develop theoretical and computational study oflarge-scale structure.
• Develop line intensity mapping and itscross-correlations with galaxy and CMB surveys.
• Develop science concepts in low-frequencygravitational-wave astrophysics and the connection betweensupermassive/massive black hole astrophysics and GW observations.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in modeling and analysis of data from SPHEREx, Roman ST, and/or Rubin’s LSST.
• Experience in theoretical and computational study of large-scale structure.
• Experience in line intensity mapping and its cross-correlations with galaxy and CMB surveys.
• Experience in low-frequency gravitational-wave astrophysics and the connection between supermassive/massive black hole astrophysics and GW observations.

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 4

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Tim Eifler
Professor, Astronomy
[e-mail]

Open Date 10/14/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].