ASSISTANT PROFESSOR FOR SUBARU TELESCOPE, NATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY OF JAPAN (NAOJ)

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR FOR SUBARU TELESCOPE, NATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY OF JAPAN (NAOJ)

Subaru Telescope, NAOJ operates the Subaru telescope, an optical-infrared telescope at the 4,200 m (13,460ft.) summit of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii, for open use observations. Subaru Telescope operates an instrument using the adaptive optics technique, AO188 with Laser Guide Star (LGS) system, and also carry out observational research on exo-planets using SCExAO, an instrument for high-contrast imaging. In addition, Subaru Telescope is active in the research and development for its future systems, in particular the system of next generation adaptive optics using a deformable secondary mirror working with wide-field near-infrared instruments (ULTIMATE-Subaru project). We are seeking an assistant professor who will play a central role in a) maintenance, scientific operation, and upgrade of existing instruments, in particular the current adaptive optics system (AO188+LGS); b) planning and developing a next generation adaptive optics system for Subaru telescope.

1. Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The position of the Assistant Professor with the Subaru Telescope, NAOJ is based in Hilo, Hawaii, U.S.A. Primary duties and responsibilities of the incumbent is 1) to maintain and operate scientific instruments that the Subaru telescope is equipped with; 2) to develop and promote a future instrument plan for Subaru telescope to sustain during the era of The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). Details are summarized as follows:

- In order for the Subaru telescope to continue to produce high-level scientific results, plays central roles in maintenance, scientific operations, and necessary upgrades of instruments at the Subaru telescope, in particular the current adaptive optics system (AO188+LGS)
- In order to maintain high-level of scientific competitiveness of the Subaru telescope, develop and materialize a next generation adaptive optics system for Subaru telescope in cooperation with scientists and engineers/technicians at Subaru Telescope as well as collaborators in Japan and overseas institutions.
- In cooperation with other observatories at Maunakea, formulates and promotes joint development of instruments and sharing various resources

In addition to the duties and responsibilities, the incumbent supports the daily operation of the telescope system and also is expected to be active in his/her own research and development activities. Note that the duties and responsibilities mentioned above could be reconsidered about 5 years later, depending on needs at the Subaru Telescope as well as his/her capability.

2. Qualifications: Demonstrable experiences and knowledge in the field of development, commissioning, and/or operation of astronomical instruments are required. Abilities to supervise a group of approximately ten (10) people are also required. In addition, experiences in systems engineering and creating specifications are desirable. Previous experiences related to the adaptive optics are not required. Abilities to interact and communicate effectively with engineering as well as scientific staffs hired locally as well as those sent from Japan. Leadership skills in multicultural work environment.

3.Application Deadline:  February 28, 2017, 17:00 (Japan Time)

More information, including how to apply for the position, is available at http://www.subarutelescope.org/Announce/2016/12/16/index.html. More information on the Subaru telescope is also available at http://www.subarutelescope.org.