Post-doctoral positions, FINCA, University of Turku

Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA) is a national research institute, with headquarters in University of Turku. It takes care of Finnish co-operation with European Southern Observatory (ESO); practises and co-ordinates high quality astronomical research, and ESO-related technological development work; participates in researcher training; and promotes co-operation of Finnish universities in astronomy.

Applications are invited for postdoctoral researcher positions at FINCA to work on ESO-related activities. The work place can be any of the participating universities of FINCA (Aalto, Helsinki, Oulu or Turku).

The start of employment is negotiable between 1 September 2018 and 31 December 2018. The appointments are for two years, with a trial period of four months and possibility of an extension to third year.

Postdocs are expected to pursue their own research program in one of FINCA’s main research themes, participate in teaching, and supervise undergraduate/graduate students. FINCA's current research areas (including those of participating universities) cover a large range in contemporary astronomy: observational cosmology, active galaxies, galaxy formation and evolution, structure, kinematics, stellar populations and star formation of nearby galaxies, supernovae and their host galaxies, binary stars, stellar magnetic activity, and interstellar medium.

The positions require a PhD in astronomy or a closely related field. Experience in observational astronomy with large international facilities is essential and experience with ESO an advantage. The applicant must have completed her or his doctorate before the application deadline but no more than five years before that date.

Depending on qualifications, the gross salary of the postdoctoral positions is within 3300 – 3700 € per month.

For more information, contact the director of FINCA, Jari Kotilainen, tel. +358 2 333 8250, e-mail: jarkot at utu.fi.

The deadline for applications is December 1, 2017. Applications are submitted electronically, via the link in the University of Turku recruitment pages http://www.utu.fi/careers/

Applications in English must include CV, list of publications and ESO-related research plan (max. 4 pages). At least two letters of recommendation must be arranged to be sent to jarkot at utu.fi by the application deadline. Selection will be based on research accomplishments, promise of future achievement, and relevance to FINCA research. We encourage applications from candidates irrespective of nationality, gender, or background.