Postdoctoral Research Associate I – UArizona CAAO & Space Astrophysics Lab

Overview

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to instrumentation and techniques for ground and space-based wavefront control and high-contrast imaging. Candidates with a range of experience outside of astronomy are encouraged to apply.As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with several faculty members: Jared Males, Ewan Douglas, Patrick Ingraham, and others within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the UArizona Space Astrophysics Lab, eXtreme Wavefront Control Lab, and CAAO to support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your work will focus on problems in controls, machine learning, image reconstruction, wavefront sensing, and instrument development and test.

As time permits, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, and will be able to apply for time on any Steward facility directly as a PI, 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 May 2024 to December 2024.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA 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 adaptive optics, wavefront control, space instrumentation, and exoplanet direct imaging, 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.
* Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of an inclusive 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 physical science, mathematics/ data science, or engineering at the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications

Candidates within 5 years of a PhD in astronomy, physics, optical sciences, or computer science preferred. Preferred experience includes: Control theory and sensor fusion. Laboratory testing and simulation of optical systems. Wavefront control Data science Computer vision and data reduction pipelines Software development in C/C++ and/or Python Space and/or astronomical instrumentation Ground or space-based high-contrast imaging

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.00

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes – Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $62,000 – $67,000 DOE

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: 3

Contact Information for Candidates

[email protected]
[email protected]

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: No Documents

Special Instructions to Applicant

To apply, complete the following three steps: First, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below and complete our online UArizona application. Next, upload your CV (limit: 2 pages), cover letter, research statement (limit: 3 pages), and List of Publications to our secure UArizona Box portal: https://arizona.app.box.com/f/c698105c38434f81a754b88fb09f9401 with contact information for three references

Diversity Statement

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
The University of Arizona is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.