Postdoctoral Research Associate ; Experimental Time Domain Astrophysics; Steward Observatory

Overview

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) 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: the Shadow survey (a new DECam effort to ‘shadow’ LSST in select nearby galaxy cluster fields); the sub-day cadence supernova search, DLT
40, focused on the nearest and brightest transients in the sky; gravitational wave follow-up science and infrastructure development under SAGUARO (Searches After Gravitational waves Using Arizona’s Observatories); and TROVE, a 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 Steward facilities directly as a PI.

You will be expected to lead high-profile, independent research and 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 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 a selection of 1-2m class telescopes. Postdocs can apply for time on Steward facilities 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. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

• 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.

• Must have completed all the requirements for a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science at the time of hire.

• 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 | 40 hours per week | 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) | Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) | Number of Vacancies: 1

Open Date: 11/18/2025 | Open Until Filled:
Yes

David Sand
dsand

Documents Needed

To Apply:

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

• Research statement (limit: 3 pages)
• List of Publications
• Names and email addresses of references (minimum of
  3)

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