Student carrying out the IDS setup at the INT

Application deadline closed for 2013

Introduction

The 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) is operated at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos on the island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) by the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (ING). The INT is used for astrophysical research by a large community of astronomers worldwide. It currently hosts two highly competitive instruments: the Wide Field Camera (WFC), which offers one of the largest broad- and narrow-band filter sets for wide field imaging, and the Intermediate Dispersion Spectrograph (IDS), a very versatile long-slit spectrograph. The following poster is a summary of the programme: "Student training at the telescope in the 10-m era".

Its imaging and spectroscopic capabilities make the INT a unique hands-on training facility for students just starting their careers in astronomy and astrophysics. The INT offers visitor-mode observations only, so a high degree of interaction with visiting astronomers working in a wide variety of topics is guaranteed. Further information on the facilities, staff, and achievements can be found at our web site.

The following videos feature the Isaac Newton Telescope:

"A Night at the Isaac Newton Telescope", a movie by Demelza Kooij:

"Inside the Isaac Newton Telescope", a movie by Brady Haran:

The INT Support and Research Studentship programme offers astronomy and astrophysics Ph.D. and final-year MSc students the unique opportunity to spend one year at ING as INT support astronomers, be also involved in ING projects related to instrumental, optical, or software development, improvement and/or characterisation. The rest of the time (~60%) is devoted to pursue their thesis work. Students interested in any field of observational astronomy and/or astronomical instrumentation are welcome.

The following video shows the participation of one of the ING students (Liam Hardy, from Univ. of Sheffield) at the movie "Exoplanet transit" by the journalist and film maker Brady Haran, included in the serie "Deep Sky Videos".

Accommodation for the whole year is provided by ING. The flats are within walking distance of  ING's sea level headquarters. Students also receive a monthly stipend to cover their living expenses on La Palma. Several nights at the INT are usually available for observations related to the students' research activity.

ING is a widely recognised astronomical research institution which also runs the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope (WHT). The WHT is one of the most scientifically productive and versatile telescopes of its class in the world. The INT student support astronomers will also have a chance to be exposed to the instrumentation and observations at the WHT. The ING headquarters are located in Santa Cruz de La Palma and have modern computing, data reduction, and communication facilities. Access to a library, meeting rooms, etc. is also provided. Joint seminars with other institutions on scientific or technical topics are often organised. The astronomical family on La Palma is relatively large, so professional and social contacts are frequent.

Qualifications

The following requirements should be fullfilled:

1. Being an European citizen or in possession of a student residence permit, valid in Spain.
2. Enrolment in a Ph.D. or final-year MSc programme in astronomy  at a recognised university or research institution. Preference is given to students from the UK, Spain and the Netherlands.
3. A strong interest in observational astrophysics and/or astronomical instrumentation.
4. A good working knowledge of English; knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.
5. A working knowledge of the UNIX/Linux operating systems and the IRAF astronomical data reduction software is a plus.
6. Ability and willingness to work during day or night, occasionally also on weekends or public holidays, at an altitude of 2400 metres above sea level, and to take up residence on La Palma for the duration of the studentship. The placement is conditional on you undergoing a medical examination to ensure your fitness for duty, especially at the altitude of the Observatory on La Palma.
7. A driving licence is normally required.
8. We encourage students with similar research interests to ING staff's (research staff and their interests).

Conditions

1. The duration of the studentship is one year, usually starting in September. Four positions are offered in this call. 
2. Students are not employees of ING, but receive a monthly stipend during their stay. Financial support for travelling to La Palma and accomodation for the whole year are provided. They have right to a leave allowance of 25 days during their 1-year stay at the ING.
3. The working week is 37 hours. Weekend and night work does not generate over-time payment. Instead, extra work is compensated with free time.
4. When on duty at the observatory, transport up and down, accommodation, and subsistence are provided by ING.
5. Office space and appropriate computer facilities at ING headquarters are provided.
6. Students work under the authority of the Studentship Programme Manager and the Head of Astronomy, who determine and coordinate the tasks to be performed during the support nights and any work related to telescope and instrument performances.

How to apply

Applicants should state the candidate's past and present experience, compliance with the above requirements, motivation for working at ING, and any other information the candidate wishes to submit for consideration. A CV should be attached.

Applications should be sent by e-mail, NOT LATER THAN April 8th 2013, to the INT manager, Ovidiu Vaduvescu (ovidiuv@ing.iac.es). Applications may also be posted to:

Studentship Programme Manager
Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes 
Apartado de correos 321, E-38700, Santa Cruz de La Palma, SPAIN
Fax:+34 922 425 401