Postdoctoral Research Associate ; Computational Stellar Astrophysics

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Computational Stellar Astrophysics)

The University of Arizona Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in computational stellar astrophysics related to massive stars and/or stellar transients. The successful candidate will work with Professor Carl Fields on topics using phoebus and related software instruments.

Applicants with experience in code development, implementation, and leading scientific research using large-scale, multi-physics software frameworks such as FLASH, Athena++, CASTRO, and other tools are encouraged to apply. Demonstrated experience in programming and development in C++/Fortran as part of large multi-physics frameworks, version control workflows, running and maintaining large computational simulations on high-performance computing resources, and application to problems in stellar astrophysics is required.

Experience connecting computational simulations of stellar phenomena to ongoing observational multi-messenger efforts is strongly encouraged.

Throughout the postdoc, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, apply for time on Steward facilities as a PI, and lead high-profile, independent research in theoretical and computational astrophysics, while collaborating with SO faculty and scholars.

UA/SO offers world-class research environment with access to observational and computational facilities. The successful candidate will have priority access to high-performance computing resources, including CPU and GPU hardware, as part of the University of Arizona High-Performance Computing resources and additional external computing proposals.

Start date ranges from August – October 2026. This is a year-to-year appointment, expected to renew annually through July 2029 contingent on departmental need and performance.

Contact:
Rosie Johnson, rosiejohnson

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on stellar 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) as needed and relevant to research agendas.

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

• Candidates with a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science areas are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: computational, stellar, nuclear astrophysics of massive stars and/or stellar transients.
• Experience with performance‑portable programming in FORTRAN/C++ and using open‑source multi‑physics software packages is preferred.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• University of Arizona/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members.
• Access to U of A recreation and cultural activities.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement (limit: 3 pages)
• List of Publications