The European Southern Observatory is opening the following position at Paranal, Chile:
(Career Path V)
Paranal Staff Astronomer have the opportunity and challenge to contribute to the operation of the world leading astronomical facility and optimize its scientific output.
In the last years, major new systems have complemented our suite of instruments. This includes the VLTI 2nd generation instruments Gravity & Matisse, the Adaptive Optics Facility (AOF) on UT4 and the planet hunter ESPRESSO. ERIS and the MOS facilities MOONS & 4MOST are upcoming future systems at the VLT.
Furthermore, preparations for the inclusion of the ELT into Paranal Science Operations have started.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain and provide expert knowledge on novel instrumentation and may be given the overall responsibility for an instrument at the Very Large Telescope. Flexibility exists so as to tailor duties and responsibilities according to personal expertise and interests.
Main Duties and Responsibilities: As part of the operations team, the successful candidate will:
- Contribute to the observing support in both visitor and service mode at Paranal Observatory, including short-term scheduling of observations, calibration of instruments and the assessment of the scientific quality of the astronomical data.
- Work in collaboration with one or several of the teams operating the instruments currently on the mountain to improve their operations and scientific performance and contribute to the operations-readiness of the upcoming generation of VLT(-I) systems.
- Become involved in preparations for the ELT systems.
The successful candidate will be member of the ESO Science Faculty, with an appointment at the level of Assistant or Associate Astronomer. S/he will be expected and encouraged to actively conduct astronomical research.
We are seeking a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics or equivalent, with a strong background in state-of-the-art observing techniques relevant to Paranal Observatory and a solid scientific track record in observational astronomy.
Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter, a research statement and a CV (with list of publications). The position requires three letters of reference to be sent to [email protected].
For more information and on-line applications go to https://recruitment.eso.org/ and visit the public web page of Paranal Science Operations http://www.eso.org/sci/facilities/paranal/sciops.html.
Closing date is 6 May 2019