Postdoctoral Research Associate , Steward Observatory

Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory
Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory

Posting Number
req
26187

Department
Steward Observatory

Department Website Link
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..edu

Location
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 high-contrast imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets and substellar companions.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Brittany Miles, as well as with staff and engineers from the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the lab and Steward Observatory to support a supportive scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your research will focus on the integration and commissioning of the first-ever, corona graphic, adaptive optics-assisted, long-wavelength infrared IFU.

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 exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres, 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.

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 thermal IR instrumentation and the characterization of planetary atmospheres.
• 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, etc.) as needed and relevant to the research agendas.
• Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of an inclusive academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings and supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas is desirable: operating and testing astronomical instruments, infrared observations, and data reduction.

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
7/20/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates
Brittany Miles, PhD
Assistant Professor
Assistant Astronomer
bemiles

Open Date
6/4/2026

Open Until Filled
Yes

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

Special Instructions to Applicant
Along with your application, CV, and cover letter, please include:

Research statement (limit: 5 pages)

List of publications

Names and email address of references (minimum of
3)

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
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Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact.