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Postdoctoral Research Associate, Exoplanet and Disk Coronagraph Imaging (Multiple Positions)

University of Arizona
life insurance, sick time
United States, Arizona, Tucson
Oct 29, 2026
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Exoplanet and Disk Coronagraph Imaging (Multiple Positions)
Posting Number req27484
Department Steward Observatory
Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu/
Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights

The University of Arizona (UArizona) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to direct imaging of exoplanets. Successful applicants would have the opportunity to work with faculty including Logan Pearce, Ewan S. Douglas and other faculty within the UArizona Space Astrophysics Lab (UASAL) and the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO) on high-contrast imaging exoplanet science. The successful applicant would have the opportunity to join ongoing efforts in modeling and observational work preparing for the next generation of exoplanet direct imaging observing campaigns in coordination with instrument building teams for both space and ground based high-contrast imaging platforms.

UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in ground and space-based astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Sciences, and the UA Data Science Institute. Selected to build the Lazuli ExtraSolar Coronagraph, Giant Magellan Telescope instrumentation, and JWST instrument teams, Steward Observatory provides direct access to various world-class facilities for observing. Applicants would be eligible to submit their own science proposals.

The position will provide opportunities for outreach and student engagement, and applicants with interest in outreach are encouraged to apply.

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 high-contrast imaging and imaging exoplanets and debris disks; disseminate findings 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.
  • 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
  • Experience in high-contrast imaging data reduction and observing.
  • Experience in exoplanet science.
  • Familiarity and/or experience with exoplanet atmosphere modeling or processes.
  • Experience contributing to open-source software or hardware projects.
  • Demonstrated experience in technical communication.
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 2
Target Hire Date 9/1/2027
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates Ewan Douglas, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy

Associate Astronomer, Steward Observatory

douglase@arizona.edu
Open Date 10/28/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant Please submit the following materials with your application:

  1. CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Research Statement (limit: 5 pages)
  4. List of Publications
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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