University of Arizona

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory

Posting Number

req26187

Department

Steward Observatory

Department Website Link

https://astro.arizona.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, coronagraphic, 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 click here.

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 a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or a related science at the time of hire.

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@arizona.edu

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:

1. Research statement (limit: 5 pages)
2. List of publications
3. Names and email address of references (minimum of 3)

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