Postdoctoral Research Associate , Steward Observatory; -Contrast Imaging & Interferometry

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory (High-Contrast Imaging & Interferometry)

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in high-contrast imaging, high-angular-resolution, and interferometric observations with the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT).

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate you will integrate into the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI) group to support a collaborative environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your work will focus on observations with the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS instruments and the scientific exploitation of their complementary capabilities.

Throughout your postdoctoral journey you will be encouraged to conduct independent research, apply for time on Steward facilities as PI, and become a remote member of the SHARK-NIR and SHARK-VIS teams. You will lead high‑profile independent research utilizing the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK‑VIS, such as high‑contrast imaging of exoplanets and circumstellar disks, and 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 interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Optical Sciences, and Planetary Sciences, and provides direct access to world‑class observational and computational facilities.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to recreation and cultural activities; and more!

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on the scientific exploitation of the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK‑VIS instruments; disseminate work through publications and presentations; contribute to public‑engagement opportunities.
• Support science observations, instrumentation, commissioning efforts, planning, data reduction, and publications related to LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK‑VIS.
• Develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events (e.g., talks, workshops, visitor programs) as needed and relevant to research agendas.
• Collaborate with faculty and scholars to support a welcoming academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
• Additional duties as assigned.

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

• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: high‑contrast imaging, interferometry, infrared observations, astronomical instrumentation.
• Two years of applicable experience.

Dr. Steve Ertel
Associate Astronomer, Steward Observatory
sertel

Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Three Additional Documents

Along with your CV and Cover Letter, please provide the additional documents in the Additional Documents tabs:

• Research statement (limit: 5 pages)
• List of publications
• Names and email addresses of references (minimum of
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