Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory; Contrast Imaging

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 polarimetry and high contrast imaging.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with several faculty members, including Ramya Anche, Kyle Van Gorkom, Ewan Douglas, and others within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the space telescope concept group and high contrast imaging groups and support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service.

Your work will focus on observation planning and on performing data reduction and analysis of Roman Coronagraph high contrast imaging and polarimetry.

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 space and ground-based instrumentation projects 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.

Start dates range from January 2027 to June 2027.

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.

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on high contrast imaging and polarimetry, disseminate work through publications and presentations, and 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 research agendas.
• Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a comprehensive academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
• Additional duties as assigned.

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

• Candidates with a PhD in high contrast imaging.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas is desirable: polarimetry, space telescopes, and instruments.

• 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: 2/28/2027
• Expected End Date:
• Contact Information for Candidates:
  Ramya Anche, ramyaanche
• Open Date: 10/20/2026
• Open Until Filled:
  Yes
• Documents Needed to Apply:
  Curriculum Vitae…