Postdoctoral Research Associate - – Experimental Time Domain Astrophysics

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the Department of Astronomy/Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona. The successful candidate will work with Professor David Sand on one or more projects centered on time domain astrophysics. Opportunities include:  i) Gravitational wave follow-up science and infrastructure development  under the auspices of the SAGUARO program (Searches After Gravitational waves Using Arizona's Observatories); ii) the sub-day cadence supernova search DLT40; iii)  a newly upgraded wide-field imager on the Kitt Peak 2.3-m Bok telescope, primed for new time domain programs; iv) James Webb Space Telescope mid-infrared imaging of nearby core collapse supernovae; v) preparation for the upcoming ULTRASAT UV space mission, with a focus on supernova science. Applicants with a strong time domain-related instrumentation background will also be considered. The successful candidate will be encouraged to work with other Steward Observatory scientists. 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.

This is a year-to-year appointment, contingent upon funding and performance. Candidates must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field before the commencement of the position in Summer or Fall 2024. The appointment may be started earlier if mutually agreed. 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.  Start dates range from August 2024 to November 2024.  The appointment may be started early if mutually agreed.