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Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Nearby Dwarf Galaxies & AI)

University of Arizona

life insurance, vision insurance, sick time

United States, Arizona, Tucson

Oct 25, 2025

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Nearby Dwarf Galaxies & AI)
Posting Number	req24277
Department	Steward Observatory
Department Website Link	https://astro.arizona.edu
Location	Main 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 Filled	Yes
Documents Needed to Apply	Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Three Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant	Along with your application, CV (limit 2 pages) and cover letter, please submit the following: 1.Research Statement (limit: 3 pages), 2.List of Publications, and 3.Names and email address of references (minimum of 3)
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report	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.Thesereports 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 at cleryact@arizona.edu.