Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs at University of Arizona with Visa Sponsorship
Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs at University of Arizona sit within a research institution that regularly sponsors international scholars across a range of visa categories. If you're an international researcher, the university has established processes for supporting visa sponsorship through its sponsored research infrastructure.
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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.
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 a PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or a related science at the time of hire.
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:
- Research statement (limit: 5 pages)
- List of publications
- 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. 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.
Tips for Finding Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs at University of Arizona
Align your degree field with your research focus
University of Arizona's HR and international services team will map your appointment to a specialty occupation. Make sure your doctoral degree field directly corresponds to your proposed postdoc research area, since a mismatch can complicate H-1B or E-3 filings.
Target faculty-specific postdoc listings early
Postdoctoral openings at University of Arizona are often tied to a specific PI's grant funding. Search departmental pages alongside central HR listings, since grant-funded roles may close as soon as a hiring decision is made rather than on a posted deadline.
Clarify J-1 versus H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Research universities commonly default to J-1 for postdocs because it's faster and employer-paid costs are lower. Ask the hiring department upfront which visa they intend to sponsor, since a J-1 may impose a two-year home residency requirement that affects your long-term plans.
Request your appointment letter well before your start date
USCIS H-1B processing, even with premium processing, requires a certified Labor Condition Application from DOL first. Getting your formal appointment letter and position description from University of Arizona HR early gives their international office enough lead time to hit your start date.
Use Migrate Mate to identify open postdoc roles with confirmed sponsorship
Not every posted position will indicate visa sponsorship in the listing itself. Search Migrate Mate to filter University of Arizona postdoctoral openings by visa type, so you're only applying to roles where sponsorship for your specific status has been confirmed.
Prepare for PERM if you want a Green Card pathway
University of Arizona sponsors EB-2 and EB-3 petitions for postdocs, but PERM labor certification through DOL is a lengthy process. Raise the topic with your supervisor and the university's international services office as early as your second year to avoid timeline conflicts with your visa status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Arizona sponsor H-1B visas for Postdoctoral Research Associates?
Yes, University of Arizona sponsors H-1B visas for Postdoctoral Research Associates through its Office of Global Initiatives. The university's international services team handles the Labor Condition Application filing with DOL and the subsequent USCIS petition. Because postdoc appointments are tied to specific grant funding, sponsorship is coordinated between your hiring department, HR, and the international office.
Which visa types are commonly used for Postdoctoral Research Associate roles at University of Arizona?
University of Arizona sponsors several visa categories for postdoctoral researchers, including H-1B, J-1 visa, E-3 visa (for Australian citizens), TN visa (for Canadian and Mexican nationals), and F-1 OPT or CPT for recent graduates still within their authorization period. J-1 visa is frequently used for postdocs because of its streamlined process, but H-1B and E-3 visa are common for researchers who need longer-term or renewable status without home residency obligations.
What qualifications are expected for Postdoctoral Research Associate positions at University of Arizona?
Postdoctoral Research Associate roles at University of Arizona require a recently completed doctoral degree in a field directly relevant to the research project. Most appointments are linked to a faculty member's active grant, so prior research experience in that specific area, a publication record, and strong references from your doctoral supervisor carry significant weight in the selection process.
How do I apply for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs at University of Arizona?
Applications go through University of Arizona's central HR portal at uacareers.com, but many postdoc roles are also filled through direct faculty contact before a formal listing goes up. Reach out to faculty whose research aligns with your background and submit a tailored CV, cover letter, and representative publications. You can also browse verified open postdoc listings at Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for roles with visa sponsorship.
How do I understand the timeline for H-1B sponsorship as a postdoc at University of Arizona?
If you're transitioning from F-1 OPT or a J-1, the timeline depends on which visa you're moving to. H-1B cap-exempt petitions, which apply to universities like University of Arizona, can be filed at any time and USCIS typically adjudicates them within a few months under regular processing. Premium processing through USCIS reduces that to 15 business days. Build in at least 90 days from your offer letter to give the university's international office enough time to complete LCA certification before filing.