Project Professor, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Archive Date: 
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Other
Institution Classification/Type: 
Foreign
Institution/Company: 
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Street Line 1: 
2-21-1, Osawa
City: 
Mitaka
State/Province: 
Tokyo
Zip/Postal: 
181-8588
Country: 
Japan
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

NAOJ has positions open for project professors who will lead research and development for space astronomy and instrumentation. We expect applications from scientists and engineering scientists who are willing to actively take on new challenges in this field.
1. Job Title: Project Professor (based on annual salary system), a few positions
2. Division and Location: The Advanced Technology Center (ATC), NAOJ, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan
3. Area of Expertise: Astronomy, Physics, and Space Science
4. Job Description:
     The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has been playing a key role in the forefront of astronomical research worldwide, as demonstrated in the construction and operation of large-scale astronomical facilities such as the Subaru Telescope, ALMA, and TMT (Thirty-Meter Telescope) as well as in the development of space-based instruments such as Hinode Satellite for solar observation, in the effort to promote cutting-edge astronomy utilizing these advanced telescopes. The NAOJ Advanced Technology Center (ATC), the research center for advanced technology development to support these important astronomical programs, has been producing successful results in the development of various astronomical instruments.
     We invite applications for project professor positions at ATC. A successful candidate for this position is expected to lead research and development at ATC and strengthen ATC’s technology infrastructure for the advancement of space astronomy and instrumentation in collaboration with not only scientists, engineers, and technicians within ATC but also those working for astronomical projects at NAOJ. Fostering young scientists, engineers, and technicians, including PhD students, is required as part of the responsibilities of this position. Also, the successful candidate is expected to play a leading role in the management or system engineering of space projects implemented in NAOJ. To lead such tasks, the successful candidate may be transferred from ATC to a relevant space project after employment.
     As prerequisites for this position, applicants are expected to have: 1) solid and proven background and professional experience in the field of space astronomy and instrumentation; 2) ability to read the trends in a wide variety of technologies; and 3) leadership to strongly drive forward research and development keeping pace with the demands of science and technology in the world. If the successful candidate is deemed to have had distinguished achievements and extensive experience in his/her research career, he/she may be given the title of “Distinguished Professor.”
5. Terms of Appointment:
The successful candidate should be able to start as soon as reasonably possible after the job offer has been accepted.
The term of the contract is five years. Note that the contract will not be renewed after the end of the Japanese academic year in which the project professor reaches NAOJ’s mandatory retirement age of 65.
6. Minimum Academic Requirements:
(1) Ph.D. or equivalent
(2) Internationally recognized research results in the field of expertise
(3) Experience as a lead or key member of the development team for a large-scale astronomical project
7. Required Application Materials: (*To be prepared in English. Any other language will not be accepted.)
(1) Cover letter;
(2) Curriculum vitae;
(3) Publications list (Separate refereed and non-refereed papers. SPIE and COSPAR can be included in refereed papers.);
(4) Summary of your past research activities including international collaborations;
(5) Your plans to fulfill the responsibilities and aspirations for the position (including your research plan as needed);
(6) Your easily reachable contact information (e-mail and phone) and the e-mail address of your current supervisor or line manager.
(7) Three or more reference letters. Note that your current supervisor or line manager cannot serve as a reference. Please ask your references to send a letter as an e-mail attachment to the submission address shown in 9. (1). Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the letters arrive before the application deadline. (Reference letters should be written by faculty/staff with tenured positions, and no more than one reference letter will be accepted from each country.)
8. Application Deadline: 17:00 Friday, February 1, 2019 (Japan Standard Time)
9. Submission:
(1) E-mail your application documents to:
(E-mail address): apply-atc-space-prof20190201_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
(Subject of e-mail): “Application for Project Professor Position of Space Astronomy and Instrumentation”
(2) Contact for Inquiries:
(E-mail address): takami.hideki_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
Prof. Hideki Takami, Director of Engineering, NAOJ
10. Notes for Application:
• Convert each application document (from 7.(1) through 7.(6) above) into a separate PDF file and attach them to your e-mail.
• Make PDF files with appropriate resolution so that they won’t be too large (file size: up to 10 MB)
• Upon receipt of your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. If you do not receive any response from NAOJ within 3 working days, please contact:
(E-mail address): apply-atc-space-prof20190201_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
• Candidates selected in the final short list may be interviewed by the selection committee either via internet or face-to-face. The expense for travel to the interview will not be covered by NAOJ.
• If the selection committee deems that there is no qualified candidate for this position, it is possible no one will be selected.

Application Deadline: 
Friday, February 1, 2019
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Hideki Takami
Title: 
Director of Engineering
Institution/Company: 
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Department Name: 
Advanced Technology Center
Street Line 1: 
2-21-1, Osawa
City: 
Mitaka
State/Province: 
Tokyo
Zip/Postal Code: 
181-8588
Country: 
Japan
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Hideki Takami
Subject: 
Questions for Professor Position of Space Astronomy and Instrumentation