Postdoctoral Research Associate ; Experimental Time Domain Astrophysics; Steward Observatory

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Experimental Time Domain Astrophysics) (Steward Observatory)

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Experimental Time Domain Astrophysics) (Steward Observatory)

Posting Number: req
24504
Department:
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Location:

Main Campus
Address:
Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights
The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in time domain astrophysics. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will work closely with Professor David Sand on projects including:
1) the Shadow survey, a DECam effort to ‘shadow’ LSST in select nearby galaxy cluster fields;
2) the sub‑day cadence supernova search, DLT
40, focused on the nearest and brightest transients;
3) gravitational wave follow‑up science and infrastructure under the SAGUARO program;
4) the TROVE, a software infrastructure effort to vet transients associated with gravitational wave, neutrino, and high‑energy particle events. You will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research and apply for Steward facility time as a PI. You will lead high‑profile, independent research and collaborate with SO faculty and scholars.

UA/SO offers a world‑class research environment with access to ground‑based observing facilities (Large Binocular Telescope, MMT, Magellan telescopes, 1–2m class telescopes) and supports postdocs in applying for time on any Steward facility as PI.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction; access to recreation and cultural activities; and more.

The University of Arizona has been recognized for innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please .

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on nearby supernovae, transients, gravitational wave follow‑up, and time domain infrastructure.
• Develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and events (e.g., talks, workshops, visitor programs) as needed and relevant to research agendas.
• Collaborate with faculty and scholars to support a positive academic environment, including organizing collaborative meetings and supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas:
  Supernovae, gravitational wave follow‑up, transients, time domain infrastructure including software development.

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

Contact Information for Candidates:
David Sand
dsand

Open Date: 11/18/2025
Open Until Filled:
Yes

Documents Needed to Apply:
Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Three Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant:
Along with your CV and Cover Letter, please provide the following documents in the Additional Documents tab(s):
1. Research statement (limit: 3 pages),
2. List of Publications, and
3. Names and email addresses of references (minimum of
3)

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