Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor on Astronomical Data Science

The Kapteyn Astronomical Institute of the University of Groningen (RUG) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in Astronomical/Astrophysical Data Science.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated colleague who will enhance our capabilities in the development and application of astronomical data science methods within both observational and theoretical research domains. We are looking for a candidate with a background in astronomy/astrophysics and a strong track record in cutting-edge data science research fields, including managing and analysing large scientific datasets, applying machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, engaging in innovative modelling and software development. We are particularly interested in a candidate who will exploit data/results from existing (e.g., JWST, Gaia, VLT, LOFAR, ALMA, WEAVE, Euclid) as well as upcoming facilities (e.g., 4MOST, ELT, SKA, CTA) or other instruments with involvement of the Institute, and/or datasets from state-of-the-art numerical simulations. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to one of the Institute's current research areas, fostering collaborations within the Institute, across NOVA institutes, ASTRON, SRON, and with Computer Science, both at the University of Groningen (Bernoulli Institute) and elsewhere.

The position we offer will be embedded in the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, whose mission is to perform front-line research in astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields, aided by the presence of NWO-institutes ASTRON and SRON and NOVA labs, and to provide an excellent educational environment for both graduate and undergraduate studies. The Institute’s mission and its policy and strategy are closely linked to and partly define the mission of the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy, NOVA, of which it is one of four member institutes. The excellent reputation of the Kapteyn Institute has made it possible to attract top-quality astronomers to the University of Groningen. The facilities the Institute offers, such as access to world-class observing facilities, make the Kapteyn Institute a very attractive environment for astronomical research.

The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications: a PhD degree in Astronomy/Astrophysics or related fields; excellent research qualities, as shown by a publication record in international peer-reviewed journals and proceedings of renowned conferences; a proven track record in developing and applying novel data-science methods to observations and/or simulations; a great affinity with and a good track record in teaching, appropriate for the career stage; at least two years of postdoctoral experience outside of the Netherlands, preferably in a different country than where you received your PhD; a relevant international network; the potential to acquire substantial research grants from external sources; demonstrable communicative and organisational competences; the ambition and the potential to develop academically; the ability to work well with others in international and diverse teams; good command of spoken and written English. Additionally, the candidate should be willing to obtain a University Teaching Qualification within three years, and able to speak Dutch or motivated to acquire proficiency within five years.

The level of the appointment that will be offered depends on the candidate's track record and career stage. As an Assistant or Associate Professor, you will set up and develop your own research line and research group; teach bachelor and master courses and contribute to the development of degree programs in Astronomy; supervise PhD students and postdocs; acquire external funding; promote the societal relevance of your research; contribute to the organisation of the institute and faculty, for example, by participating in working groups and committees in the domains of teaching, research, and management. At the stage of Assistant Professor, 60% of your time is for research, 30% for teaching activities and 10% for organisational tasks. As an Associate Professor, 40-50% of your time is dedicated to research, 40% to teaching activities, and 20-10% to organisational tasks.

To apply please go to ApplicationLink where you can also find more details concerning the description of the position, working conditions and prerequisites. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly by your referees to [email protected] by the indicated deadline. Applications received by Sunday, March 24, 2024, at 23.59 (CET) will be given full consideration.

The on-site selection interviews will take place between April 29 and June 5, 2024.

The University of Groningen is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our organisation. We do not discriminate based on ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Recruitment Code and the European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers from the European Commission.