Postdoctoral Research Associate, Direct Imaging and Instrument Development; Steward Observatory

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 along 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 an collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your research will focus on:

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.

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University's oldest research units. The Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

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

• 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 research agendas.
• Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a collegial academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).

• 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/astrophysics are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas:
  • Experience with operating and testing astronomical instruments.
  • Experience with infrared observations and data reduction.

FLSA:
Exempt

Full Time/Part Time:
Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Rate of Pay: NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience.

Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Job Category:
Research

Benefits Eligible:
Yes - Full Benefits

Brittany Miles

Assistant Professor, Astronomy

bemiles