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Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona
life insurance, sick time
United States, Arizona, Tucson
Jun 05, 2026
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)

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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