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

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

req24549

Department

Steward Observatory

Department Website Link

https://www.astro.arizona.edu

Location

Main Campus

Address

Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights
The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates focused on 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 LBT Interferometer (LBTI) group, support a collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service, and focus on supporting observations with the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS instruments and the scientific exploitation of their complementary capabilities.

Throughout your postdoctoral journey you will conduct your own independent research, apply for time on Steward facilities as a PI, and become a remote member of the SHARK-NIR and SHARK-VIS teams, receiving secondary affiliation with INAF and access to LBT time through the Italian allocation process as PI. You will lead high-profile, independent research that optimally uses 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 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 March 2026 to August 2026.

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 employees and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more.

The University of Arizona has been recognized for its innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please discuss options with HR.

Duties & Responsibilities

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 and 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 as needed and relevant to research agendas.

Collaborate with faculty and scholars to support a welcoming academic environment, including organizing collaborative meetings and supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

Research experience relevant to high-contrast imaging, interferometry, infrared observations, and astronomical instrumentation.

Two years of applicable experience.

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

5/4/2026

Contact Information for Candidates
Dr. Steve Ertel
Associate Astronomer, Steward Observatory
sertel@arizona.edu

Open Date
11/21/2025

Open Until Filled
Yes

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

Special Instructions to Applicant

Research statement (limit: 5 pages)

List of Publications

Names and email addresses of references (minimum of 3)

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