New

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona

life insurance, sick time

United States, Arizona, Tucson

Jul 06, 2026

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory
Posting Number	req26427
Department	Steward Observatory
Department Website Link	https://astro.arizona.edu
Location	Tucson Campus
Address	Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights	The Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in demographical analyses of exoplanets orbiting nearby stars. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Kevin Wagner on extending the DYNAMITE framework to high-contrast imaging applications involving multi-body orbital stability analysis and demographical constraints on exoplanets orbiting nearby stars. This position offers a vibrant research environment with access to world-class high-performance computing clusters and opportunities to collaborate broadly across the departments of Physics, Astronomy, and Data Science. The initial appointment is for one year, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory performance and available funding. 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 areas of theoretical and computational astrophysics, as well as collaborate with Steward Observatory (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 Date: August/September 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 click here.
Duties & Responsibilities	Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on modification of the DYNAMITE framework to high-contrast imaging applications. 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.
Minimum Qualifications	A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment. Strong background in demographical and orbital analysis of exoplanets - specifically with the DYNAMITE framework Proven experience working with DYNAMITE.
Preferred Qualifications	Prior research experience in exoplanet demographical analyses. Specialized expertise with the DYNAMITE software framework.
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	8/17/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates	Rosie Johnson Project Manager, Steward Observatory rosiejohnson@arizona.edu
Open Date	7/6/2026
Open Until Filled	Yes
Documents Needed to Apply	Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant	Along with your application, CV, and cover letter, please attach: 1. List of publications. 2. Contact information for at least three professional references who can provide letters of recommendation.
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.