Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Nearby Dwarf Galaxies & AI)

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Nearby Dwarf Galaxies & AI) Posting Number req24277 Department Steward Observatory Department Website Link https://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 interested in research related to nearby dwarf galaxies, with an emphasis on using artificial intelligence techniques for discovery in wide-field imaging surveys.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Professors David Sand and Dennis Zaritsky. You will be encouraged to integrate into their joint scientific efforts centered around faint dwarf galaxies in the local universe and support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your work will focus on the SEAMLESS (SEmi-Automated Machine LEarning Search for Semi-resolved galaxies) survey, whose goal is to identify faint and ultra-faint dwarf galaxies beyond the Local Group in wide-field imaging surveys.

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 in as well as 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 various world-class 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 an assortment of 1-2m class telescopes.

Postdocs can apply for time on any Steward facility directly as PI, and will be encouraged to do so.

The expected start date is Fall 2026, although an earlier start date is possible.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; 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

• Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on nearby dwarf galaxies and their identification in wide-field imaging surveys; 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 positive academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings, supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).

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 relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: Nearby dwarf galaxies, handling of large imaging data sets, artificial intelligence techniques applied to imaging data.

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
dsand@arizona.edu
Open Date 10/24/2025 Open Until Fill