SALT Astronomy Research Chair

Applications are invited for the position of SALT Astronomy Research Chair, funded by the South African Research Chair Initiative.  The position may be held at any South African Public University, and is co-hosted by the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO).

SALT is a 10-m optical telescope located at the SAAO observing station near Sutherland in the Northern Cape of South Africa.  It enjoys extremely dark skies in a location of geographic advantage.  SALT has 3 major instruments: a high-speed imager, a multi-purpose prime focus spectrograph, and a fiber-fed single-object high resolution spectrograph. It is operated in queue-scheduled mode exclusively.  The telescope is owned by a consortium of nine international partners and is operated by the SAAO.  For technical and scientific details visit www.salt.ac.za

The chair is funded for 5 years with the possibility of 5-year renewals to a total of 15 years. Appointment will be at the level of Tier 1, a senior faculty full professor level. The chair is expected to build a research group of students, postdocs and collaborators with strong emphasis on attracting, training and retaining South African talent. International Tier 1 chairs may split their residence 50/50 between their home institution abroad and South Africa.

Requirements: Ph.D. in astrophysics or closely related area, record of high quality international research, compatible with SALT and host university research interests, and experience suitable for full professor appointment.  The ideal candidate would play a leading role in using SALT and other national and international observing facilities.

To start the application process candidates must make contact with the appropriate department at a South African university and also the SAAO director: [email protected]. See linked documents for further information on the position and possible host universities.