Job Description

Posting Number

req24504

Department

Steward Observatory

Department Website Link

https://astro.arizona.edu/

Location

Main 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 time domain astrophysics.


As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Professor David Sand. Opportunities include: 1) the Shadow survey, a new DECam effort to 'shadow' LSST in select nearby galaxy cluster fields; 2) the sub-day cadence supernova search, DLT40, focused on the nearest and brightest transients in the sky; 3) gravitational wave follow-up science and infrastructure development under the auspices of the SAGUARO program (Searches After Gravitational waves Using Arizona's Observatories); 4) the TROVE, a new software infrastructure effort to vet transients associated with gravitational wave, neutrino, and high-energy particle events.


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 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. Observational facilities at Steward include the 2x8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, the 6.5m MMT, the twin 6.5m Magellan telescopes, and an assortment of 1-2m class telescopes. Postdocs can apply for time on any Steward facility directly as PI, and will be encouraged to do so.


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.

Duties & Responsibilities

Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on nearby supernovae, transients, gravitational wave follow-up and time domain infrastructure. 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 positive 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: Supernovae, gravitational wave follow-up, transients, time domain infrastructure including software development.

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

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

David Sand

dsand@arizona.edu

Open Date

11/18/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Three Additional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicant

Along with your CV and Cover Letter, please provide the following documents in the Additional Documents tab(s):

1. Research statement (limit: 3 pages),

2. List of Publications, and

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 Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports 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.