Astronomer/Sub-mm Instrument Scientist

The Sub-mm Instrument Scientist is an active (sub)millimeter astronomer, primarily responsible for the definition of the scientific capabilities of one or more ALMA upgrade projects. These upgrades vary considerably in scope and could include new receivers, enhancements to digital electronics, enhanced software for data reduction or novel calibration methods. Upgrades are typically developed by external institutes or consortia and the Sub-mm Instrument Scientist will interface with these groups.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The Sub-mm Instrument Scientist will support the ALMA project in Europe in the development of the various upgrades of the ALMA observatory which is an integral part of the long term life of the ALMA project.

The Sub-mm Instrument Scientist will be directly responsible to:

• Interface with the ALMA Programme Scientist and the ALMA Instrument Scientist to develop priorities for the ALMA Development Plan at ESO;
• Issue and own the scientific and technical specifications of the ALMA upgrade for which s/he is responsible, in agreement with the ALMA project;
• Ensure that the scientific requirements of the upgrade are met;
• Follow up the development of the data reduction system where appropriate;
• Develop the commissioning and calibration plan (where applicable);
• Ensure commissioning and hand-over to the Observatory of the upgrade;
• Follow up the scientific use of the upgrade (if applicable) and possibly propose future upgrade paths;
• Develop own scientific research in observational (sub)millimetre interferometry, ideally with the upgrade that s/he has been working on (if applicable).

As a member of the ESO Science Faculty, the Sub-mm Instrument Scientist is expected and encouraged to conduct an active astronomical research programme.

Reports to:

Head of the Project Science Department

Experience:

• Proven track record in and observational experience with (sub)millimeter astronomy;
• Ability to contribute to calibration and commissioning of hardware and/or software components of a radio/mm interferometer: previous experience in this area would be very desirable;
• Research experience with the planning, execution, analysis and publication of sub-mm observations/ instrumentation;
• Good publication record;
• Active research programme;
• Proficiency in relevant data reduction methods and tools.

Key Competences:

• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Good cross-disciplinary communication skills;
• Ability to effectively communicate at all levels within the organisation and with the community;
• Strong influencing skills, ability to motivate and inspire others;
• Provides clear, concise and timely oral and written communications, identifying the key issues, examining options and proposing a way ahead;
• Ability to work in a clearly structured approach with meaningful reports to supervisors and presentations to governing bodies;
• Cooperative team player.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or equivalent

Language Skills:

• Excellent command of the English language is essential

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 you and 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, renewable with the possibility of an indefinite appointment. Serious consideration will be given to outstanding candidates willing to be seconded to ESO on leave from their home institutions. The grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.

Duty Station:

Garching near Munich, Germany with duty trips to ESO sites in Chile will be required.

Career Path:

V

Starting Date:

As soon as possible

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 http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter, CV containing a publication list with a research statement. Also required are the names and contact details of three scientists familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter. Referees will be automatically invited to submit a recommendation letter. However, applicants are strongly advised to trigger these invitations (using the web application form) well in advance of the application deadline.

Closing date for applications is 30 June 2015.

Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.

No nationality is in principle excluded however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

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