The IAC (Tenerife, Spain), the leading Astrophysical Center in Spain, invites applications for ONE postdoctoral research position for the external project financed by the Spanish National Plan entitled: ““Consolider-Ingenio 2010. First science with the GTC: Spanish Astronomy in the vanguard of European Astronomy.” (CSD2006-00070 - MEC).  The PI of the project is Dr. Jose Miguel Rodríguez Espinosa.

Research topics at the IAC include most areas of astrophysics: cosmology and the structure of the Universe, galactic astrophysics, the structure and evolution of stars, the interstellar medium, solar physics, telescope design and construction, high spatial resolution techniques, infrared and optical instrumentation, and astronomical space projects. The IAC also leads the scientific teams responsible for the Day One instruments of the 10.4m GTC segmented telescope (http://www.gtc.iac.es), as well as their scientific exploitation. Further information about the IAC's research programme, its Observatories and the GTC is available on the IAC's Web page (http://www.iac.es/).

Tasks:

The candidate will work with the EMIR group of the IAC on activities related with the development of the instrument and the preparation of its scientific exploitation. These tasks will include the organization and monitoring of EAST (EMIR Associated Scientific Team) and a direct implication in the preparation of scientific programmes for the EMIR Guaranteed Time.
In particular, the tasks the candidate will be devoted to are:

• Supervision of the fulfilment of the high level specifications of EMIR during the instrument development;
• Conceptual design of the instrument observing modes and operation control; the participation in the AIV plan,
• The laboratory calibration and the commissioning of the instrument at telescope.
• Participation in the definition, running and scientific exploitation of scientific project(s) to be executed using the ESO-GTC guaranteed time with EMIR, most likely in the field of Galactic structure and stellar content of the Milky Way.
• Chief among the successful candidate’s scientific commitments will be to assist in the definition of observational projects covering common aspects of several EAST programmes and to design an “EMIR Serendipity Survey” which would be accomplished by a smart use of the non required FOV during EMIR routine operations.

 
Requirements:

An CV with a considerable experience in astronomical instrumentation and research in astronomical fields of direct application in EMIR. Experience in observing, processing and calibrating NIR data is essential. Experience in scientific programming using C, C++, Java or IDL will be highly valued.


Doctorate: Applicants must have a PhD in Astrophysics or Physics and the doctoral certificate at the moment of starting their appointment to take place during the first semester of 2008.

NOTE: Applicants who prepared their thesis at the IAC must present written evidence of having spent one continuous year, or 18 accumulated months, in other research institutes.

Duration:  Until September 2011, with yearly revisions.

Remuneration: The gross annual salary is 33.398,54 € per annum, subject to up to 20% tax and Social Security deductions. Medical insurance under the Spanish National Health Service will be provided, and will also cover your accompanying partner and children (if relevant).

Non-UE citizens: If you are citizen of a country not belonging to the European Union, you are not allowed to sign any contract with the IAC until you obtain the compulsory documentation required to live and work in Spain (Visa, Residence Permit, Work Permit Waiver). Please contact the Spanish consulate in your country for details.

Compulsory documentation to submit:

• The Application Form: WORD or PDF;
• Curriculum Vitae, bibliography, brief statement of research interests, and a covering letter telling us about the skills you can bring to the job;
• A photocopy of your PhD Degree or certificate;
• At least two letters of recommendation must be sent (electronic submission preferred); directly by researchers or professionals familiar with your work, to the Secretariat of the IAC's Research Division: secinv@iac.es

Applications must be sent, electronic submission preferred, to the Secretariat of the Research Division, secinv@iac.es.  Applications may also be sent by post, however, applications received after the deadline cannot be accepted, unless they are post-stamped, on the application form, by the postal office, before the deadline.  Please note that the stamp on the envelope is not valid. Postal address: Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, C/ Via Láctea s/n, E-38205 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.

Questions about the position are encouraged and can be addressed to Dr. Francisco Garzón: fgl@iac.es

Details of the evaluation and selection process for this position can be found in the official announcement (Spanish version only).