Staff Positions in the Astronomy Group at ASTRON

Staff Positions in the Astronomy Group at ASTRON

The Astronomy Group at ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, invites applications for two or more staff positions for research in astronomy. ASTRON hosts a vibrant research environment with strong technical expertise and influence in the new generation of emerging radio facilities such as LOFAR, WSRT-APERTIF, and the SKA, and these staff positions offer exciting opportunities for innovative research and scientific leadership. Appointments will be considered at all levels and are tenure-track subject to positive evaluation after an initial probationary period dependent on previous experience. ASTRON is committed to increasing its diversity, and we are especially interested in applications from traditionally under-represented groups.

Job Description:

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated candidates with a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related discipline, demonstrated ability for ground-breaking research, a strong publication record, and the potential to secure external funding. The selected candidates are expected to carry out innovative research in their own field of expertise. In addition, staff astronomers in the Astronomy Group provide crucial input and support for the various astronomical and development programs at ASTRON and take part in defining, developing, and commissioning new facilities in which ASTRON is involved. For senior appointments, a demonstrated talent for managing and coaching junior staff or other leadership roles would be an advantage.

Scientifically, we are seeking collaborative scientists from all areas of astronomy with a demonstrated ability for excellence in astronomical research. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in observational radio astronomy and research interests that complement those of the Astronomy Group. We are particularly interested in researchers with experience in the areas of low-frequency radio astronomy, long baseline interferometry, the design and execution of large surveys, wide-field HI astronomy, and data science and science extraction of large astronomical datasets. Affinity with instrumentation or astronomical software development would also be valuable.

Astronomy at ASTRON:

The Astronomy Group currently includes over 30 astronomers (staff and postdocs) as well as a large group of PhD students supervised or co-supervised by ASTRON staff. ASTRON enjoys a strong connection with all of the universities in the Netherlands active in astronomy and collaboration, including supervision of students, is encouraged. Members of the Astronomy Group work closely with members of the ASTRON R&D group,
Support Astronomers at ASTRON’s Radio Observatory, and other astronomers at the Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC (JIVE). Topics of research at ASTRON currently include pulsars and compact objects, the transient radio sky, the Epoch of Reonisation, the magnetic Universe, large radio continuum and HI surveys, galaxy structure and evolution, the ISM and IGM, AGN evolution, clusters of galaxies, and gravitational lensing (for more information about the group see www.astron.nl/astronomy-group/astronomy-group).

ASTRON currently develops and operates LOFAR, a new generation low-frequency multi-field aperture array telescope. ASTRON also operates the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) and members of the Astronomy Group are leading the development of APERTIF (APERture Tile in Focus), a phased array feed upgrade currently being commissioned at the WSRT that will significantly expand its field of view and enable a new, deep HI survey of the northern hemisphere. As the NL national radio astronomy institute, ASTRON also plays a leading role in several of the consortia contributing to the scientific and technical design of the SKA. ASTRON currently hosts JIVE and access to other front-line research facilities are also available to astronomers in the Netherlands including the ESO- VLT, ALMA, JCMT, and the ING telescopes.

We offer:

• Tenured position subject to positive evaluation after an initial probationary period
• Stimulating scientific and technical work environment
• Access to excellent computational and observational facilities
• Generous travel support for conferences or work visits
• Excellent benefits including pension, paid parental leave, and subsidized childcare
• Generous relocation expenses and support with finding accommodation

Additional information:

To learn more about ASTRON, please visit our website at www.astron.nl. For more information about these vacancies please contact Richard Melessen by phone at +31 521 595 100 or by e-mail at [email protected]. For further enquiries about the positions please feel to contact Dr. Michael Wise ([email protected]), Head of the Astronomy Group directly.

Applications:

You can apply directly for this job on www.jobsatastron.nl (vacancy number 2016-03-006). Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and description of research interests. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to [email protected] by the deadline. The deadline for submission is November 1st, 2016. Candidates will be considered until the positions have been filled.