Assistant Research Professor, Steward Observatory
Posting Number: req21356
Department: Steward Observatory
Location: Main Campus
Address: Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The Department of Astronomy/Steward Observatory seeks a Career Track Assistant Research Professor position to support projects within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). The faculty member will bridge the gap between science and engineering, working closely with astronomers and engineers to commission world-class general purpose and high-contrast imaging instruments and observatories. Projects include support of NASA and university funded research into future space telescopes for general astrophysics and high-contrast imaging, collaborating with the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab (RFCML) in researching and developing space telescope concepts and the UA Space Astrophysics Lab's Space Coronagraph Optical Bench (SCoOB), researching high-contrast technology readiness through simulation, prototyping and test.
The SCoOB testbed and associated open-source software tools are studying how to effectively suppress starlight for the NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory and other future space telescopes. The RFCML team develops methods to polish, measure and control high honeycomb mirrors with deeply curved, parabolic surfaces and is currently casting and polishing the mirrors for the Giant Magellan Telescope project. 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. Among these are the Large Binocular Telescope and 6.5m aperture telescopes in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Applicants are expected to collaborate across Steward Observatory and the University of Arizona community and will be eligible to serve as principal investigator of independent research programs.
Other facilities include: the new University-wide Research Data Center provides access to high-end, local supercomputing resources and the recently completed Space Institute, Applied Research Building which includes a range of assembly and environmental test facilities.
This career-track appointment is not eligible for tenure.
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 click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Research, simulate, test, document, and publish novel high-contrast imaging algorithms and approaches
- Develop observatory requirements and architectures for high-contrast imaging of exoplanets with future space telescope
- Mentor graduate students and assist in research group operations
- Independent research
Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
- Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in astronomy, physics, aerospace engineering, optical sciences or closely related field
- 5 or more years of experience in instrumentation and simulations for high-contrast imaging
- 5 or more years of experience developing and working with adaptive optics systems
- Experience in wavefront sensing and control
- Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or have another protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) to be ITAR/EAR compliant.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in optical alignment of testbeds and instruments
- Experience in focal-plane wavefront sensing for dark zone maintenance
- Experience managing design priorities across teams
- Experience in space instrumentation
- Experience mentoring students and postdoctoral researchers
Rank: Assistant Professor
Tenure Information
Career-Track (CT)
FLSA: Exempt
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
Job FTE: 1
Work Calendar: Fiscal
Job Category: Faculty
Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay: $80,000-$90,000 DOE
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
Contact Information for Candidates
Carli Chmara, cchmara@arizona.edu
Ewan Douglas, douglase@arizona.edu
so-humanresources@arizona.edu
Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply: Resume, Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant
Along with your applications, please submit the following:
Diversity Statement
At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
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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.
