Project Scientist for the coordination of the Spanish participation in the SKA

The team coordinating the Spanish participation in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), led by Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro, is seeking a motivated individual to fill a 2-yrs Project Scientist position (extension based on available funding) at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC). The IAA has coordinated the scientific and technological participation of the Spanish community in SKA since 2011. In 2018 Spain became a member of the SKA Organisation. 

Deadline (updated): We encourage candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible, but the position will remain open until it is filled. Applicants are encouraged to follow the application status and further details in the job URL.

The successful applicant will join Lourdes's team and work closely with her, assisting in her activities as coordinator of the Spanish participation in the SKA. In addition, Lourdes leads an active group of astronomers and engineers: she is PI of the AMIGA project (Analysis of the interstellar Medium of Isolated Galaxies) and of the development of a Prototype SKA Regional Centre at the IAA.

The IAA is a leading research institution in Astronomy that has obtained the Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence distinction, that recognises the centres that carry out cutting-edge fundamental science and are among the best in the world in their area. CSIC is a public research organisation in which the right to equality and gender non-discrimination is preserved, while promoting the conditions to real and effective equality of the individuals. Everyone is encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter (max. 2 pages) stating the motivation for this specific job and suitable background, and arrange for 3 letters of reference to be sent to [email protected]. The successful candidate is expected to start the appointment as soon as possible, and preferably not later than April 2020 (but negotiable).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Engagement with Spanish astronomers: Making the community aware of SKA capacities, and potential for multiwavelength/multimessenger synergies. The candidate is expected to learn about SKA science when needed, give talks in Spanish research centres, or organise scientific activities in national meetings.
• Follow-up of SKA news and science-related documents, disseminating them to different audiences
• Preparation of outreach material
• Involvement in preparation of applications for funds
• Keep active in their own scientific research

Qualifications

• A PhD in Astronomy or a closely related field, with some postdoctoral experience
• Expertise in radio interferometry 
• Excellent communication skills
• Interest in different areas of Astronomy beyond their own field
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Proven ability to meet deadlines
• Availability to travel
• High command of English (spoken and written)

The following aspects are not mandatory but considered an asset: 

• Experience in research related to SKA science
• Fluency in Spanish
• To be working in lines of research related to those of the host team, e.g. HI and/or magnetic field studies of nearby galaxies and environmental effects.