Postdoctoral Research Associate I

Posting Number

req24282

Department

Steward Observatory

Department Website Link

Location

Main Campus

Address

Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will play a leading role in the newly initiated Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) medium-band (MB) survey. The HSC/MB filters cover the nm range with 16 bands (R~20), and will be used to conduct a large 3-tier survey (wide/deep/ultradeep) over the next several years. This large international collaboration, including the Euclid and DESI2 teams, is headed by a group in Japan, and UA/SO is a major partner providing the four reddest MB filters.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Eiichi Egami and is expected to make major contributions to all aspects of the survey. Although the selection will mainly be based on the scientific potential/achievement of the candidates, technical experience/expertise in developing an imaging data-processing pipeline would be highly desirable. We are especially interested in candidates working in the fields of cosmology and/or high-redshift galaxies who can design and lead exciting science programs in collaboration with the survey team members at UA/SO (Behroozi, Eifler, Fan, Krause, Rozo) and NOIRLab (Dey).

This position is a year-to-year appointment, expected to last for two years initially with the possibility of renewal for a third year. Candidates must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. before the commencement of the position. The HSC/MB survey is currently expected to start in Spring 2026, so special consideration will be given to those candidates who can start early in 2026.

UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in astronomy/astrophysics and provides direct access to a variety of powerful observational/computational facilities. The successful candidate will have full access to these facilities as the PI, such as the 2x8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, 6.5m MMT Telescope, and two 6.5m Magellan Telescopes. The University of Arizona is a full member of the SDSS-V, DESI and LSST collaborations.

The application deadline is January 3, 2026.

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

The successful candidate is expected to make major contributions to all aspects of the Subaru HSC MB survey, such as:

• Planning and execution of the observations.
• Development of the data processing/analysis pipelines.
• Follow-up observations using ground/space telescopes.
• Publication of scientific results.

Additionally, the successful candidate will be encouraged to:

• Design and lead exciting science programs in collaboration with the survey team members at UA/SO (Behroozi, Eifler, Fan, Krause, Rozo), and NOIRLab (Dey).
• Supervise/mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Take part in outreach activities as needed.

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

• Candidates with a PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics or Physics are preferred.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: cosmology, high-redshift galaxies.

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

2/16/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Dr. Eiichi Egami

Research Professor, Steward Observatory

Open Date

10/27/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

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

Special Instructions to Applicant

Along with your application, CV, and cover letter (including the names of three references), please submit the following additional documents:

• Past research/technical experience and research plan (limit: 5 pages)

• List of Publications

• Three (3) letters of recommendation (matching reference names provided on cover letter) uploaded to the following link:

The application deadline is January 3, 2026.

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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