Postdoctoral Research Associate I - Space Instrumentation

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, December 16, 2022
Archive Date: 
Friday, January 20, 2023
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Department Name: 
STEWARD OBSERVATORY/ASTRONOMY
Street Line 1: 
933 N CHERRY
City: 
TUCSON
State/Province: 
AZ
Zip/Postal: 
85721
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The University of Arizona (UArizona) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to space instrumentation and astrophysics space mission development. Successful applicants would have the opportunity to work with faculty including Ewan Douglas and the UArizona Space Astrophysics Lab (UASAL), the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics and others within Steward Observatory on space telescope systems engineering including requirements development, concept of operations, integration and test, and environmental testing of instruments for exoplanet imaging and general astrophysics.

The postdoc would have the opportunity to contribute to several UASAL projects, including development and construction of NewSpace-style telescopes, instruments, and spacecraft for astrophysics; commissioning a new thermal vacuum facility for testing SmallSats and space instruments up to one meter in size; and bringing the Space Coronagraph Optical Bench (SCoOB) precursor testbed for future missions for optical imaging of Earthlike exoplanets from the bench to pre-flight technology readiness (TRL-6).

UArizona SO offers a world-class research environment in space science and astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Optical Sciences, and Planetary Sciences. Recently selected to build the Aspera CubeSat and home to the JWST NIRCam team, Steward Observatory provides direct access to various world-class facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing. Recent UA investments in space infrastructure include establishment of the UArizona Space Institute a 6.1m RF ground station located at Biosphere 2; a new Applied Research Building with environmental test facilities including shaker tables, a TVAC for large (up to 7 m) spacecraft, and an additive manufacturing facility.

The position will provide opportunities for outreach and student engagement, and applicants with interest in outreach are encouraged to apply.

Multiple positions are expected to be available with start dates ranging from April 2023 to Sept 2023.

Included Benefits: 

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Application Deadline: 
Friday, January 20, 2023
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, February 10, 2023
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
SUSAN WARNER
Title: 
COORDINATOR, HR AND PERSONNEL
Institution/Company: 
UNIVERSITYOF ARIZONA
Department Name: 
STEWARD OBSERVATORY/ASTRONOMY
Street Line 1: 
933 N CHERRY
City: 
TUCSON
State/Province: 
AZ
Zip/Postal Code: 
85721
Country: 
United States of America
Phone: 
520-621-1829
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Kelly Merrill
Subject: 
Space Instrumentation Postdoc Research Associate