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Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory (High-Contrast Imaging & Interferometry) Posting Number req24549 Department Steward Observatory Department Website Link 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, high-angular-resolution, and interferometric observations with the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT).

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will be encouraged to integrate into the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI) group and support a collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your work will focus on the support of observations with the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS instruments and the scientific exploitation of their uniquely complementary capabilities.

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. Uniquely, you will become a remote member of the SHARK-NIR and SHARK-VIS teams as well and receive a secondary affiliation with the Italian National Astrophysics Institute (INAF) and be able to apply for LBT time through the Italian time allocation process as PI as well. You will be expected to lead high-profile, independent research that optimally uses the capabilities of the LBTI, SHARK-NIR, and SHARK-VIS, such as (but not limited to) the high-contrast-imaging of exoplanets and circumstellar disks, 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 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 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 .

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 (, talks, workshops, visitor programs, etc.) as needed and relevant to research agendas.
• Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of a welcoming academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, 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 related science at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: high-contrast imaging, interferometry, infrared observations, astronomical instrumentation.
• Two years of applicable experience.

FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Research Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience Compensation Type salary at 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 Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Dr. Steve Ertel
Associate Astronomer, Steward Observatory
Open Date 11/21/2025 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed