The ING operates the 4.2 m William Herschel Telescope, the largest and most advanced optical telescope in Europe, the 2.5 m telescope and the 1 m Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope on behalf of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The telescopes are located in a multi-national observatory site, el Roque de los Muchachos, at an altitude of 2400 metres.

The ING is pursuing a rigorous development programme concentrating on the areas of wide field astronomy and adaptive optics. This year has seen the highly promising debut of the natural guide star adaptive optics system (NAOMI) on the WHT for routine service observations. Other funded developments are upgrades to the WHT’s wide field fibre positioner and spectograph (AF2/WYFFOS), a coronograph (OSCA) for use with NAOMI and the implementation of improved data pipeline processing and archiving facilities.

The role of Support Astronomer will include night-time support of visiting observers, provision of scientific and technical advice, execution of service observations and responsibility, as instrument specialist, for the welfare of a particular instrument or instruments. We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants with new and innovative ideas for exploiting the enhancements to the observing opportunities at the ING mentioned above. Support astronomers are also expected to spend a substantial fraction of their time on a personal research programme and opportunities also exist for the successful candidate to participate and contribute to instrumentation development projects.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in observational astronomy or related subject, together with a good understanding of astronomical instrumentation. The ability to work effectively with engineering staff to diagnose and solve technical problems, plus a strong and competitive research programme are essential requirements. Experience relevant to any of the development areas mentioned above would be an advantage, as would research interests complementing those of existing astronomy staff. Also important are effective communication skills, including fluency in English.

The annual salary range for this post is from ± Kfl 70.392 to ± Kfl 96.708. The salary on appointment will normally be towards the scale minimum. For further information regarding terms and conditions of employment please contact Frans Bruins of the department of Personal Affairs of NWO in the Netherlands, the Hague: 0031 – 70.3440.623 or by email: Bruins@nwo.nl

Applications including CV, publication list, statement of research interests and two letters of recommendation should be received by the Isaac Newton Group by no later than 12 August 2001. They should be addressed to Lucy Lawler, Personnel Officer, Isaac Newton Group Of Telescopes, Apartado de correos 321, 38700 Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands Spain. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Danny Lennon, Head of Astronomy, djl@ing.iac.es. For further information on ING please consult our website www.ing.iac.es.