Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

The University of Arizona invites applications for the Arizona Cosmology Lab Fellowship at Steward Observatory in Tucson. Fellows conduct independent cosmological data analysis, spanning theoretical and numerical modeling, ML methods, and survey data from SPHEREx, Rubin LSST, and more.

They will have access to UA and national supercomputing resources, mentorship from senior faculty, and potential co-advising of graduate students. Start dates range from August to October 2027.

Qualifications

• Must have completed all requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science by hire time.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent cosmological data analysis for ongoing and future surveys.
• Develop theoretical/computational studies of large-scale structure.
• Advance line intensity mapping and cross-correlations with galaxy/CMB surveys.

Skills

Independent research

Statistical inference

Machine learning

High performance computing

Education

PhD in Astronomy/Physics/Astrophysics

Tools

SPHEREx

Roman ST

Rubin LSST

Job description

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!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Independent Research in cosmological data analysis with ongoing and future surveys (SPHEREx, Simons Observatory, Rubin Observatory's LSST, the Roman Space Telescope, and DESI).
• Develop theoretical and computational study of large-scale structure.
• Develop line intensity mapping and its cross-correlations with galaxy and CMB surveys.
• Develop science concepts in low-frequency gravitational-wave astrophysics and the connection between supermassive/massive black hole astrophysics and GW observations.

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

• 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

Contact Information for Candidates

Tim Eifler

Professor, Astronomy

[e-mail]

Open Date

10/14/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

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