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Postdoctoral Research Associate-Nearby Galaxies, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona
life insurance, sick time
United States, Arizona, Tucson
Nov 04, 2026
Postdoctoral Research Associate-Nearby Galaxies, Steward Observatory
Posting Number req27526
Department Steward Observatory
Department Website Link https://www.astro.arizona.edu/
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 who will work with Professor David Sand and collaborators on the general topics of nearby galaxies, dwarf galaxies, and resolved stellar populations. The successful candidate will help lead large, ongoing projects primarily focused on photometric and spectroscopic studies of dwarf galaxies, stellar halos, and globular clusters around the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. These programs utilize deep imaging from wide-field ground-based cameras, Hubble Space Telescope imaging, James Webb Space Telescope imaging, and kinematic/spectroscopic datasets. 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.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with the faculty of the Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory. You will be encouraged to integrate into any of our many research groups and support a collaborative scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service.

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 centered on nearby galaxies, dwarf galaxies, and resolved stellar populations as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy.

Start dates range from August 2027 to November 2027. The appointment may start earlier if mutually agreed.

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 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.
  • Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on nearby galaxies, dwarf galaxies and resolved stellar populations; 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 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 with Hubble Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope imaging is desired, but all interested applicants should apply.
  • Proficiency in AI techniques is a bonus.

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

Professor, Astronomy

dsand@arizona.edu

Open Date 11/3/2026
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 four documents:



  1. CV. Please list three potential letters of reference writers in your CV.
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Statement of current and proposed research and instrument development (5-page limit)
  4. List of Publications


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