Post Doctoral Research Associate

AURA • Tucson, AZ

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct scientific research using James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) multi-band imaging data to investigate how young, massive stars obscure older stellar populations in integrated-light studies of the early universe, a phenomenon known as “outshining.” The research will focus on understanding and calibrating outshining bias through detailed analysis of stellar populations in low-redshift analogs of high-redshift galaxies, using new and archival JWST and HST observations.

The position will work closely with the Principal Investigator of a joint JWST-HST program and collaborate with NOIRLab researchers and a U.S.-based research team with expertise in the low- and high-redshift universe. Based at NSF NOIRLab’s Tucson headquarters, the role offers opportunities for scientific collaboration and engagement with the broader NOIRLab and Steward Observatory research communities. The position is set to start in Fall 2027.

The successful candidate will analyze resolved stellar populations and spectral energy distributions, derive star formation histories, develop methods for emulating high-redshift observations, and produce science-ready data products. They will lead and collaborate on interpreting and communicating research findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations. A PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or a closely related field is required by the appointment start date.

Requirements

• PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.
• Demonstrated research experience in one or more relevant areas, such as resolved stellar populations in nearby galaxies, star formation histories, stellar population analysis, and per-star and/or integrated-light spectral energy distribution modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary research teams across geographically distributed locations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with color-magnitude diagram fitting software and methodologies to derive star formation histories.
• Experience with per-star and/or integrated-light spectral energy distribution modeling tools and methodologies.
• Experience analyzing JWST and/or HST imaging data.

Responsibilities

• Perform near-ultraviolet to near-infrared multi-band photometric analyses of resolved stellar populations using JWST, HST, and related observational data.
• Conduct simultaneous analyses of multiple color-magnitude diagrams to derive global and spatially resolved star formation histories.
• Analyze broadband, per-star spectral energy distributions to characterize stellar properties and line-of-sight dust extinction.
• Develop and apply methods to emulate high-redshift observations using nearby galaxy data, and perform integrated-light SED analyses to measure and evaluate stellar masses and related properties.
• Investigate resolved stellar populations in nearby star-forming galaxies to characterize their properties and connect them to interpretation of galaxies in the early universe.
• Develop, validate, document, and deliver science-ready data products in support of the research program.
• Lead analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of research findings through peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with project investigators and research team members to interpret scientific results and advance the program’s research objectives.
• Manage and control AURA property in the work area, and report known missing, stolen, or non-working property to a supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Ensure compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to the position or its subordinates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Retirement plan contributions.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Attractive work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree