• Post Doctoral Research Associate

    AURA (Tucson, AZ)


    Description

    Postdoctoral Researcher in Milky Way Survey Science

     

    NOIRLab invites applications for a postdoctoral position to work with Dr. Aaron Meisner. The successful applicant will use Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) imaging to create a new catalog called ‘MostWISE’, which will be the deepest and most accurate all-sky catalog of mid-infrared proper motions. The postdoc will also use MostWISE to perform solar neighborhood and/or Milky Way science investigations (e.g., ultracool dwarfs, young moving groups). The postdoc will join NOIRLab’s vibrant research community ( https://noirlab.edu/science/about/scientists-at-noirlab ).

     

    We seek candidates with strong interest in large-scale astronomical data processing and solar neighborhood or Milky Way science. Also important is the willingness to take on new projects, learn new skills, author scientific publications, and work independently.

    Position details:

    + The appointment duration is up to 3 years

    + The desired start date is late 2025.

    + Applications received by **April** **21, 2025** will receive full consideration.

    Required Qualifications:

    + Ph.D. degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a closely related field at the start of the postdoctoral researcher appointment.

    + Proficiency in Python programming.

    + Research experience in image processing, batch processing, survey science, building wide-area data products, and astrometry is desirable.

    Key Attributes:

    + Self-motivated, independent, and highly organized.

     

    Questions about the position can be addressed to [email protected] . Questions regarding the application process can be sent directly to [email protected] .

    Physical Demands:

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

     

    This work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required. Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.

     

    Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at [email protected] .

     

    **Salary Range:** approximately **50,393-73,069.50 USD** per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience.

     

    The position could be held at NOIRLab’s Tucson, Arizona headquarters, Hilo, Hawai’i offices, or potentially remotely elsewhere in an eligible US state (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington DC, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington).

    How to Apply:

    Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at [email protected]

     

    + The following materials are requested in a single PDF file: a brief cover letter discussing your interest in this position and relevant expertise, names and email addresses for 3 professional references, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a statement of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages). Complete applications received by **April** **21, 2025** , will receive full consideration. Letters of recommendation will be requested for a subset of applicants after the deadline.

    + Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to [email protected] .

     

    Equal Opportunity Employer

     

    This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

     

    For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

     

    As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations.

     

    As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.