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Research Associate Professor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Research Associate Professor information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research associate professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Associate Professor, you need a strong background in your academic discipline, a doctoral degree, and a proven record of independent research and scholarly publications. Proficiency with advanced research methodologies, statistical analysis software, and grant writing tools is typically required. Leadership, collaboration, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for mentoring students, managing research teams, and disseminating findings. These abilities are essential for advancing research agendas, securing funding, and contributing to the academic community.

What are some common challenges research associate professors face when balancing research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities?

Research Associate Professors often juggle multiple priorities, including leading research projects, mentoring graduate students, teaching courses, and participating in departmental service. Managing time effectively is a common challenge, as research deadlines and grant applications may overlap with teaching and administrative obligations. Developing strong organizational skills and setting clear priorities can help address these challenges. Collaborating with colleagues and delegating tasks when appropriate also supports a more balanced workload.

What is a research associate professor?

Research Associate Professors are senior-level academic professionals who primarily focus on conducting research within a university or research institution. Unlike traditional professors who may balance both teaching and research, Research Associate Professors often have limited teaching responsibilities and instead lead or contribute to research projects, secure research funding, and publish scholarly articles. They typically hold a doctoral degree and have substantial experience in their field, contributing significantly to advancing knowledge and innovation.

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

AspectResearch Associate ProfessorResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a Ph.D. in a relevant fieldUsually holds a Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research universitiesResearch labs, industry, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia, research-focused institutionsIndustry, government, private sector research
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for academic career pathsCompared for industry research roles

The Research Associate Professor role is primarily academic, focusing on research and teaching at universities, often requiring a Ph.D. and experience in academia. In contrast, a Research Scientist typically works in industry or government labs, focusing on applied research and development. Both roles require advanced degrees but differ in work environment and career focus.

What are popular job titles related to Research Associate Professor jobs in Arizona? For Research Associate Professor jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Research Associate Professor jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Research Associate Professor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Research Associate Professor jobs in AZ? For Research Associate Professor jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Research Associate Professor job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research Professor, Steward Observatory

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


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Job description

Research Professor, Steward Observatory
Posting Number
req26047
Department
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link
https://astro.arizona.edu/
Location
Steward Observatory
Address
933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85747 USA
Position Highlights
The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites candidates to apply to the role of Research Professor. In this position, the successful candidate will support space instrumentation projects within the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics and the UA Space Astrophysics Lab. The faculty member will bridge the gap between science and engineering, working closely with astronomers and engineers to design, build, and commission world-class missions. This position will support new and in-progress space instruments for space-based wide-field astronomy, coronagraphy, and spectropolarimetry; and advancing the technology readiness of a variety of approaches through development, test, and publication.
Recently selected to build the Lazuli instruments, the PUFFINS CubeSat, and home to the Aspera Pioneer and JWST NIRCam teams, 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 located in both the northern and southern hemispheres and applicants would be eligible to submit their own science proposals and lead independent research programs.
As a senior member of the research team, the successful candidate will play an active role in defining strategic priorities. Recently completed facilities include the UASAL thermal vacuum chamber and Space Coronagraph Optical Bench for vacuum testing of instruments and small satellites and the recently completed Space Institute Applied Research Building, which brings a range of assembly and environmental test capabilities to support the role.
This career-track appointment is not eligible for tenure. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work assignment in conversation with the supervisor.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, 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
  • Support instrumentation projects within theCenter for Astronomical Adaptive Optics.
  • Bridging the gap between science and engineering, work closely with scientists and engineers to develop and deploy space instruments.
  • Research the technology readiness of novel solutions.
  • Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in astronomy, optics, physics, engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in developing space instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in wavefront sensing and observatory pointing, astrometry, and guiding.
  • Experience in visible light sensors and telescope optics.
  • Experience in agile development.
  • Experience in modern software practices and documentation including python and git.
  • Experience managing design priorities across teams.
  • Experience leading the build or commissioning of an astronomical instrument or observatory.
  • Experience mentoring students, postdocs, junior engineers and junior faculty.
  • Experience in space astronomy or planetary science.

Rank
Professor
Tenure Information
Career-Track (CT)
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 Faculty
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
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
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Ewan Douglas Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Astronomy
douglase@arizona.edu
Open Date
6/1/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
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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