Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (Strittmatter Theory-Comp Fellowships)

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Arizona invites applications for two prize fellowships in Astronomy and Steward Observatory. Postdoctoral Research Associates will pursue independent, high-profile research in astronomy/astrophysics, collaborate with faculty, mentor students, and participate in a vibrant research environment.

Start dates range from August 2027 to December 2027 with full benefits and access to observational and computational facilities; NIH salary guidelines apply, and compensation depends on

Qualifications

• Must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or a related science at the time of hire.
• Ph.D. in Astronomy and/or Astrophysics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on any area of astronomy and/or astrophysics; 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 collegial academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
• Additional duties as assigned.

Education

Ph.D. in Astronomy

Ph.D. in Physics/Astrophysics

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (Strittmatter Theory-Comp Fellowships)

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates for two prize fellowships: the Peter A. Strittmatter Fellowship in Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Prize Fellowship in Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics.

The Peter A. Strittmatter Fellowship provides an opportunity for a recent Ph.D. recipient to pursue an ambitious program of research in any area of theoretical, experimental, or observational astronomy or astrophysics.

The Prize Fellowship in Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics provides an opportunity to lead a high-caliber independent research program as well as collaborate with theoretical and observational colleagues in the department.

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 in astronomy and/or astrophysics 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 August 2027 to December 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

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on any area of astronomy and/or astrophysics; 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 collegial 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 Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or a related science at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Astronomy and/or Astrophysics.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: theoretical astrophysics in any subfield, observational astronomy, or astronomical instrumentation.

Contract & Working Hours

• FLSA: Exempt
• Full 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)

Documents Needed to Apply

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents

Contact Information for Candidates

Erika Hamden, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Astrophysics
[e-mail]

Jared Males, Ph.D.
Associate Astronomer
[e-mail]

Target Hire Date

8/1/2027