University of Arizona
Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Computational Stellar Astrophysics)
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Computational Stellar Astrophysics)
Posting Number
req24359
Department
Steward Observatory
Location
Main Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Start date ranges from
August – October 2026
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 stellar astrophysics. The successful candidate will work with Professor Carl Fields on topics in computational stellar astrophysics relating to massive stars and/or stellar transients using phoebus or related software instruments. Candidates with experience in code development, implementation, and leading scientific research using large-scale multi-physics software frameworks such as FLASH, Athena++, CASTRO, and other such tools are encouraged to apply. Exceptional candidates will bring demonstrated experience in programming and development in C++/Fortran as part of large multi-physics frameworks, version control workflows, running and maintaining large computational simulations on high‑performance computing resources, and applications to problems in stellar astrophysics. Candidates with experience connecting computational simulations of stellar phenomena to ongoing observational multi‑messenger efforts are strongly encouraged to apply.
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 areas of theoretical and computational astrophysics, as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy. The postdoc will be encouraged to integrate into the Theory, Data and Computation Group and support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service.
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. The Successful Candidate will have priority access to commodity high performance computing resources as part of University of Arizona's High‑Performance Computing resources including access to CPU and GPU hardware. Additional access to HPC resources at leadership compute facilities will be readily available to the successful candidate as part of external computing proposals as well.
Duties & Responsibilities
Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on stellar astrophysics; 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.
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
Candidates with a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science areas, are preferred.
Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: computational, stellar, nuclear astrophysics of massive stars and/or stellar transients. Experience with performance‑portable programming in FORTRAN/C++ and using open‑source multi‑physics software packages is preferred.
Salary and Compensation Rate of Pay
NIH salary guidelines, depends on experience Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full‑time equivalency (FTE)
Benefits Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA 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 visit talent.arizona.edu.
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Two Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant Along with your application, CV, and cover letter, please provide the following attachments:
Research statement (limit: 3 pages)
List of Publications
Contact Information Rosie Johnson rosiejohnson@arizona.edu
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Notice 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. These reports 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.
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req24359
Department
Steward Observatory
Location
Main Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Start date ranges from
August – October 2026
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 stellar astrophysics. The successful candidate will work with Professor Carl Fields on topics in computational stellar astrophysics relating to massive stars and/or stellar transients using phoebus or related software instruments. Candidates with experience in code development, implementation, and leading scientific research using large-scale multi-physics software frameworks such as FLASH, Athena++, CASTRO, and other such tools are encouraged to apply. Exceptional candidates will bring demonstrated experience in programming and development in C++/Fortran as part of large multi-physics frameworks, version control workflows, running and maintaining large computational simulations on high‑performance computing resources, and applications to problems in stellar astrophysics. Candidates with experience connecting computational simulations of stellar phenomena to ongoing observational multi‑messenger efforts are strongly encouraged to apply.
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 areas of theoretical and computational astrophysics, as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy. The postdoc will be encouraged to integrate into the Theory, Data and Computation Group and support an equitable scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service.
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. The Successful Candidate will have priority access to commodity high performance computing resources as part of University of Arizona's High‑Performance Computing resources including access to CPU and GPU hardware. Additional access to HPC resources at leadership compute facilities will be readily available to the successful candidate as part of external computing proposals as well.
Duties & Responsibilities
Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on stellar astrophysics; 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.
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
Candidates with a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related science areas, are preferred.
Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas: computational, stellar, nuclear astrophysics of massive stars and/or stellar transients. Experience with performance‑portable programming in FORTRAN/C++ and using open‑source multi‑physics software packages is preferred.
Salary and Compensation Rate of Pay
NIH salary guidelines, depends on experience Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full‑time equivalency (FTE)
Benefits Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA 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 visit talent.arizona.edu.
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Two Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant Along with your application, CV, and cover letter, please provide the following attachments:
Research statement (limit: 3 pages)
List of Publications
Contact Information Rosie Johnson rosiejohnson@arizona.edu
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Notice 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. These reports 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.
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