The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is playing a leading role in the construction and operations of the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA). When completed in 2013, ALMA will be the most powerful (sub)millimeter interferometer ever constructed, and will transform our understanding of topics ranging from the formation of nearby protoplanetary disks to the earliest epochs of galaxy formation. The North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to work with the NAASC scientific staff. The position will be based at the NAASC in Charlottesville, VA.
Applicants for this position should expect to spend 50% of their time on independent research, with the remaining time spent on developing ALMA expertise and assisting the NAASC scientific staff in the support of ALMA users. ALMA-related activities may include: exercising ALMA end-user software from a scientific perspective, including the Observing Proposal and Submission tool, and the ALMA data reduction and analysis package CASA (Common Astronomy Software Applications); helping to develop ALMA tutorials and other user-outreach materials; and assisting visiting scientists with observation preparation and data reduction. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in the organization of ALMA scientific workshops.
The initial appointment, which can begin as early as Fall 2013, will be for two years, with the possibility of extending for a third year (subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds). To be considered, applicants must have a PhD in astronomy, physics or a related field, or expect to have earned a PhD by the starting date of the appointment. All areas of astronomical research are welcome, but expertise in radio astronomical data processing, observing, and/or data pipelines, particularly in the millimeter/submillimeter, is highly desirable.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Application Procedures
1. ALL materials must be received by the application deadline - Friday, November 30, 2012. The Postdoctoral Fellow job posting can be found on the NRAO Careers Site located at https://careers.nrao.edu under the Scientist Position button. As part of the online application process, you will be prompted for the names and contact information of three individuals who are familiar with your scientific work and abilities for letters of reference. These individuals will automatically receive an e-mail request AFTER you submit your application materials.
2. Combine into one PDF file and attach to your NRAO application (in the order listed): a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, a brief summary of past and planned independent scientific research (including a description of relevant previous experience). Hardcopies of applications will not be accepted.
Questions about, or assistance with, the application process should be sent to Ms. LaTonya Richardson, Human Resources, at lrichard@nrao.edu. Requests for additional information on the Postdoctoral Fellow position should be directed to Scott Schnee at sschnee@nrao.edu. The deadline for receipt of applications is November 30, 2012. The NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
