The department of Steward Observatory seeks to fill 1 or 2 Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. The position(s) will support one or more research projects led by Dr. Dániel Apai. Dr. Apai is leading multiple projects within the NASA-funded Alien Earths project. These projects focus on transiting exoplanet search/characterization (project-eden.space), and studies of probabilistic assessment of planetary habitability and exoplanet population-level hypothesis testing with future exoplanet biosignature survey missions. Dr. Apai also leads multiple Hubble Space Telescope (HST) programs that utilize time-resolved high-precision spectroscopy to obtain spatially resolved information on the atmospheres of directly imaged giant exoplanets and brown dwarfs (both irradiated and non-irradiated) and transiting exoplanets, as well as co-leading (with Dr. Kevin Wagner) an HST high-contrast imaging program that monitors long-term evolution of the Beta Pictoris debris disk as a means of exploring disk structures and disk-planet interactions. The successful applicant(s) will work on a subset of the above projects, determined in part by the the candidate’s interests and skills. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to join the Alien Earths project and the NExSS research coordination network and to contribitute to multi-disciplinary astrobiology research and broader astrobiology community.
Minimum Qualifications: Must have completed all the requirements of a PhD. in related field by the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong background in planet formation, high-contrast imaging, and/or exoplanet formation studies, discovery, and characterization or population-level studies.
Special Instructions: To apply, applicants must electronically submit a Cover Letter, a Curriculum Vitae, and a Description of Research Interests (the latter not exceeding 3 pages, including figures and references). The Cover Letter should include the names and contact information for three references.
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.
