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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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$39.6K

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How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Arizona is $80,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral research associate?

A Postdoctoral Research Associate, often called a postdoc, is a person who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in scholarly research as part of a temporary position, usually at a university or research institution. The role is designed to deepen their expertise in a specific field, contribute to research projects, publish academic papers, and develop skills for future independent research or academic positions. Postdocs typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator (PI) and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students.

What is a postdoctoral research associate?

Postdoctoral research associates are professionals who have completed their doctorate and are continuing their research to gain hands-on experience before starting their academic careers. Their duties usually include researching with the support of a small team and writing papers for academic journals. Depending on the field of research, a postdoctoral research associate may also have other responsibilities. These positions are typically short-term.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral research associate?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in a relevant field, strong research methodology skills, and a track record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, or programming languages is often required, depending on the research area. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective written and verbal communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to scientific advancement, and securing future academic or industry positions.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral research associates when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral Research Associates often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple research projects, securing independent funding, and developing a unique research identity separate from their advisor. Navigating the transition also involves building professional networks and gaining experience in grant writing, mentoring, and publishing as a lead author. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating across disciplines can help ease these challenges and support a successful move to an independent research career.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsIndustry, corporate R&D, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labs, research institutesPrivate companies, biotech, pharma, tech firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral Research Associates typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research institutions focusing on specialized research projects. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but may work in industry settings with broader responsibilities, including product development and applied research. The main difference lies in the work environment and career stage, with Postdoctoral Research Associates usually in early career research roles and Research Scientists in more advanced, industry-focused positions.

More about Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Arizona?

For Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:

Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,105 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory

Tucson, AZ • On-site

University of Arizona
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Arizonaexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

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7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

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Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory
Posting Number
req26187
Department
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link
https://astro.arizona.edu
Location
Tucson 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 high-contrast imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets and substellar companions.
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Brittany Miles, as well as with staff and engineers from the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the lab and Steward Observatory to support a supportive scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your research will focus on the integration and commissioning of the first-ever, coronagraphic, adaptive optics-assisted, long-wavelength infrared IFU.
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 exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres, 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.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; 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 thermal IR instrumentation and the characterization of planetary atmospheres.
  • 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 the research agendas.
  • Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of an inclusive academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings and supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Must have completed all the requirements for aPhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or a related science at the time ofhire.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Candidates with a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics are preferred.
  • Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas is desirable: operating and testing astronomical instruments, infrared observations, and data reduction.

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
7/20/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Brittany Miles, PhD
Assistant Professor
Assistant Astronomer
bemiles@arizona.edu
Open Date
6/4/2026
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, and cover letter, please include:
  1. Research statement (limit: 5 pages)
  2. List of publications
  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 Campus Safety 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.

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