Faculty positions

Applications for Faculty positions (Rolling advertisement)

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) invites applications for faculty positions. The Institute offers challenging opportunities to researchers working in Astronomy, Astrophysics and related fields. The IIA is an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology. Ongoing research activities at IIA are in the areas of Sun and Solar System, Stars and Galaxies, theoretical astrophysics, instrumentation and facility development. Details of scientific activities and the facilities are available on the Institute’s website (https://www.iiap.res.in/ ).

In this announcement, applications are invited in two specific categories (1) Stellar astrophysics and (2) Astronomical instrumentation. Applications in other areas relevant to the Institute are also invited, in addition to the above categories. The applicant should have a Ph.D. in the relevant area with a minimum 4 years of post-doctoral research experience.

1. Stellar Astrophysics : The Institute has a long heritage in stellar spectroscopy and chemical composition of stars. Applications are invited from candidates with experience in the following areas: Observational and theoretical aspects of nucleosynthesis, chemical evolution of stars and galaxies, and exoplanets. Candidates are expected to have strong background in the analysis and interpretation of data of stellar spectroscopy, chemical abundances, stellar atmospheres, and stellar astrometry with a proven academic record in terms of publications and impact to the field.

2. Astronomical Instrumentation: Applications are invited from candidates with a strong background in UV/Optical/IR/Radio astronomical instrumentation and technologies. Candidates should have a proven record of design, development, and commissioning of instruments and technologies for major astronomical facilities. The applicant will have opportunities to lead major instrumentation projects of the Institute and will be expected to work closely with scientists and engineers, and mentor students. Some of the expected roles will be to lead the design, development, integration, testing, commissioning of new instruments for IIA observatories and for the Institute’s projects, upgrading and planning new instruments for the IIA observatories, etc. A good number of technical/scientific publications in peer reviewed journal will be desirable.

The application material should include,

1. A cover letter
2. A detailed curriculum vitae
3. A list of publications
4. A summary of research and academic experience
5. A brief write-up on how they bring value to the Institute’s activities
6. An outline of research goals and plans for the future
7. Arrange for three letters of reference

The above material should be sent by email to [email protected] . The applications submitted before 31 October 2022 will be processed immediately. Those who have already submitted application are encouraged to submit their updated applications.

IIA operates major observatories across the country: the Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle, Ladakh, the Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Kodaikanal, the Gauribidanur Observatory, Gauribidanur. IIA is a key partner in the ultraviolet telescope payload (UVIT) onboard India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory ASTROSAT, and in India’s participation in the next generation mega optical and infrared telescope facility, the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) International Observatory” or TIO. IIA is also building the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) a payload on India’s Solar Mission ADITYA L1. Additionally, IIA is working on proposals to set up a 2m National Large Solar Telescope (NLST), a 10m class optical/NIR national telescope (NLOT) in the Ladakh region and an Optical-UV next generation space telescope.