PARTICLE PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY RESEARCH COUNCIL
ISAAC NEWTON GROUP OF TELESCOPES
Postdoctoral Research Position – Adaptive Optics and / or Wide Field Astronomy
La Palma, Canary Islands
LSR2_04 Closing Date: 30 April 2004
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 and the 2.5-m Isaac Newton 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, including the development of a laser guide star system. In support of these programmes PPARC is funding a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the ING, tenable for up to three years. The position is available immediately.
The successful applicant will be expected to spend up to half of their time on the 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 and have competed successfully for observing time on major astronomical facilities. Effective written and oral communication skills and experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team are important advantages. A strong interest in the development of the instrumentation suite at the ING telescopes is essential, as is a full valid driving licence.
Current areas of research at ING include the study of interacting binary stars, massive stars, planetary nebulae, high redshift quasars, solar system objects and the distance scale. Candidates with personal research plans in these areas will be at a distinct advantage.
The salary that applies to this post is 35,510 euros per annum increasing to 37,380 euros per annum after one year’s service, subject to satisfactory performance. In addition, a relocation package will be made available where appropriate.
To apply please send a completed application form, 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 30 April 2004.
PPARC is fully committed to equality of opportunity in the workplace.
Lucy Lawler
For Director, ING 11 March 2004