Postdoctoral Research Associate - Instrumentation, Steward Observatory

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Instrumentation, Steward ObservatoryPosting Number req27362 Department Steward Observatory Department Website LinkLocation 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 polarimetry.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with several faculty members, including Ramya Anche, Kyle Van Gorkom, Ewan Douglas, Grant Williams, and others within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the space telescope concept group and instrumentation groups and support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your work will focus on polarimetry, particularly the design, AI&T, and calibration of PUFFINS (NASA Astrophysics Pioneers mission), as well as upgrading existing ground-based optical/NIR polarimeters for the MMT telescope.

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 space- and ground-based instrumentation projects, 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.

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on polarimetry and instrumentation, disseminate work through publications and presentations, and 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 supportive academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings and supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Must have completed all the requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, Optical Sciences, or a related science by the time of hire.

• Candidates with a PhD in Astronomical Instrumentation are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas is desirable: polarimetry, optical design and analysis, space telescopes and instruments, and integration and testing.

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 3/1/2027 Expected End DateContact Information for CandidatesOpen Date 10/15/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Three Additional Documents Special Instructions to Applicant Please submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Cover Letter.
3. Research Statement (limit: 5 pages).
4. List of Publications.
5. Names and email addresses of references (minimum of 3).

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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!

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