Postdoctoral Research Associate, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Cosmology Lab, a research unit of the University of Arizona Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory, invites applications for multiple fellowship hires. Fellows conduct independent research in cosmological data analysis, including theoretical and numerical modeling of cosmological, astrophysical, and gravitational-wave observables; development of statistical-inference and machine-learning methods; and direct analysis of current and future surveys or experiments. Research may involve surveys such as SPHEREx, the Simons Observatory, Rubin Observatory’s LSST, the Roman Space Telescope, and DESI.

Fellows receive priority access to University of Arizona and national supercomputing resources, mentorship from experienced faculty, and opportunities to co-advise graduate students and mentor undergraduates. The position is based in a research environment with interdisciplinary programs across astronomy, physics, planetary sciences, data science, space science, and NSF’s NOIRLab. Start dates range from August through October 2027.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Experience modeling and analyzing data from SPHEREx, Roman Space Telescope, and/or Rubin Observatory’s LSST.
• Experience in theoretical and computational study of large-scale structure.
• Experience in line-intensity mapping and its cross-correlations with galaxy and CMB surveys.
• Experience in low-frequency gravitational-wave astrophysics and the connection between supermassive/massive black-hole astrophysics and gravitational-wave observations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in cosmological data analysis with ongoing and future surveys, including SPHEREx, Simons Observatory, Rubin Observatory’s LSST, the Roman Space Telescope, and DESI.
• Develop theoretical and computational studies of large-scale structure.
• Develop line-intensity mapping and its cross-correlations with galaxy and CMB surveys.
• Develop science concepts in low-frequency gravitational-wave astrophysics and the connection between supermassive/massive black-hole astrophysics and gravitational-wave observations.
• Potentially co-advise graduate students and mentor undergraduates.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
• Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities
• Priority access to University of Arizona and national supercomputing resources
• Close mentorship by experienced faculty

What This Job Offers

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