Postdoctoral Research Associate ; 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) are excited to invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in time domain astrophysics.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Professor David Sand. Opportunities include:
1) the Shadow survey, a new 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 in the sky;
3) gravitational wave follow-up science and infrastructure development under the auspices of the SAGUARO program (Searches After Gravitational waves Using Arizona's Observatories);
4) the TROVE, a new software infrastructure effort to vet transients associated with gravitational wave, neutrino, and high-energy particle events.

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 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. Observational facilities at Steward include the 2x8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, the 6.5m MMT, the twin 6.5m Magellan telescopes, and an assortment of 1-2m class telescopes.

Postdocs can apply for time on any Steward facility directly as PI, and will be encouraged to do so.

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!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations 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/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 positive 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 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 Target Hire Date Expected End Date 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…