PARTICLE
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY RESEARCH COUNCIL
ISAAC
NEWTON GROUP OF TELESCOPES
Postdoctoral
Research Positions – Adaptive Optics and/or Wide Field Astronomy
La
Palma, Canary Islands
CVN LP1/03 Closing Date: 14 March 2003
The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes is based on the Spanish Canary Island of La Palma, where it operates the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope, the largest and most advanced optical telescope in Europe, the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope and the 1-m Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope. They are located in a multi-national observatory site, el Roque de los Muchachos, at an altitude of 2,400 metres. The ING is pursuing a vigorous world-class optical and IR development programme concentrating on the areas of Adaptive Optics and Wide Field Astronomy. In support of these programmes PPARC is funding two Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the ING, tenable for up to three years. These positions are available immediately.
The successful candidates will be expected to spend up to half of their time on operational activities of the observatory, primarily related to the support of the Adaptive Optics programme and Wide Field Astronomy. For the remainder of his/her time they will be free to conduct their own research programme.
Applicants should hold, or be about to obtain a Ph.D. in astronomy or another relevant discipline. Equally important is the ability to compete successfully for observing time on major astronomical facilities and effective written and oral communication skills. A strong interest in the development of the instrumentation suite at the ING telescopes is essential.
Current areas of research at ING include the study of interacting binary stars, massive stars, planetary nebulae, high redshift quasars and the distance scale. Candidates with personal research plans in these areas will be at a distinct advantage.
The posts are offered at PPARC Band 4 level. The salary range for Band 4 is from £19,795 to £22,299, with scope for progression to £28,916. Appointment to PPARC Band 3 will be considered for applicants with extensive Postdoctoral work experience in a research or development environment. Starting pay for Band 3 is in the range of £24,745 to £27,873, with scope for progression to £39,997. Salary on appointment will normally be made to the lower end of the scale, depending on skills and experience. As these posts are based in La Palma PPARC’s overseas terms and conditions will apply. This includes the provision of rent-free accommodation, overseas allowances and a relocation package.
To apply please send a curriculum vitae, list of publications, a statement of proposed research programmes and three letters of recommendation to: Lucy Lawler, Head of Personnel, Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes, Sea Level Office, Apartado de correos 321, 38700 S/C de la Palma, Spain or by email to lal@ing.iac.es. Further information about the post can be obtained from Danny Lennon, Head of Astronomy, djl@ing.iac.es. For further information on the Isaac Newton Group and La Palma please consult our web pages: www.ing.iac.es.
The closing date for applications is 14 March 2003.
PPARC is fully committed to equality of opportunity in the workplace.
Lucy Lawler
For Director, ING 15 January 2003