Operations Staff Astronomer

Paranal Operations Staff Astronomers contribute to the challenge of operating the world leading astronomical facility and optimizing its scientific output. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to provide expert knowledge on novel instrumentation, and may be given the overall responsibility for an instrument at the Very Large Telescope. Flexibility exists so as to tailor duties and responsibilities according to personal expertise and interests.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

As part of the operations team, the successful candidate will:

• Contribute to the observing support in both visitor and service mode at the La Silla Paranal Observatory, with duty station on Paranal, including short-term scheduling of observations, calibration of instruments and the assessment of the scientific quality of the astronomical data.

• Work in collaboration with one or several of the teams operating the instruments currently on the mountain to improve their operations and scientific performances, and contribute to the operations-readiness of the second generation of VLT(-I) instruments.

Depending on skills and experience, the successful candidate will be responsible for some of the systems and/or instruments, for the definition, implementation, optimization and characterization of new observing modes, the set-up of optimized calibration plans, and the integration of these systems with the automatic data reduction pipelines.

The successful candidate will be member of the ESO Science Faculty, with an appointment at the level of Assistant or Associate Astronomer. S/he will be expected and encouraged to actively conduct astronomical research.

Up to 105 nights per year are spent at the Observatory carrying out functional duties. The rest of the time is spent on scientific research in the ESO office in Santiago.

Financial support for scientific trips and stays at other institutions, including in Europe, is foreseen for all Paranal Operations Astronomers.

Reports to:

The Head of Science Operations Department in Chile.

Experience:

We are seeking a staff astronomer with substantial observing and/or operational experience.

Key Competences:

The ideal candidate will be an active researcher and have excellent observation-oriented research records, will be familiar with instrumental, data analysis, archiving and/or observational techniques, and must be conversant with at least one major data reduction package such as MIDAS, IRAF or IDL.

Candidates should preferably have a proven ability to identify technical issues and potential risks, and experience with real-time troubleshooting. Very good self-organization and time management, coupled with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks are a must. Communication and interpersonal skills are required, with the ability to adapt and to work efficiently in a multi-cultural environment, both independently and within a team. A strong sense of team spirit is essential.

Candidates with a strong background in state-of-the-art observing techniques available at Paranal will be given particular consideration, such as for instance, but not limited to: adaptive optics and high-contrast imaging, interferometric observations, near/mid-infrared observations, high-spectral resolution, multi-object spectroscopy, time-resolved photometry, etc.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics or equivalent.

Language Skills:

The position requires a working knowledge of English. A working knowledge of Spanish, or a willingness to learn it, would be advantageous.

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and the possibility to place your child/children in daycare. For any further information and to apply, please visit http://jobs.eso.org. The contract is for a fixed-term period of three years, which can be extended for no more than two additional three- year periods (up to a total of 9 years). Consideration for a contract of indefinite duration may be given after a minimum of 4 years of service, based on operational needs and qualification of the staff member.

Duty Station:

Paranal (130 km near Antofagasta, North of Chile) and Santiago, Chile.

Career Path: V

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit (http://www.eso.org) for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at https://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter, a research statement and a CV (with list of publications).

The position also requires three letters of reference to be sent to vacchile@eso.org.

Closing date for applications is February 28, 2015.

The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.