IAC postdoctoral position
PARSECS PN project

The IAC (Tenerife, Spain) is opening ONE postdoctoral position in the group of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), within the framework of the project: “Parsec scale studies of centers of  galaxies using very high spatial resolution techniques“ (AYA2007-60235),.

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 10.4 m 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/).

One of the main projects in the IAC - AGN group focuses on high spatial resolution studies of the nuclear region of the nearest galaxies down to scales of few parsecs. These studies relay on adaptive optics and interferometric observations which are routinely providing sub-arc second resolution in the near to mid IR range. The studies are further complemented with information from radio interferometry and X-rays.

Other research interests in the group include the physics of jets and hot-spots in radio galaxies and spectropolarimetry, and the development of IR instrumentation. We are investing substantial effort in the development of the first adaptive-optics 3D spectrograph, FRIDA  (http://www.iac.es/project/frida), to be installed at GTC. The planning for the science exploitation  of FRIDA is one of our major activities.

Duties:  Depending on candidate’s background and experience, the selected candidate is expected to have a leading role in the multiwavelength high spatial resolution studies of active galaxies conducted at the group.  Participation in other research projects in and outside the group are encouraged. As a member of the group, he/she is expected to propose competitive programs that will make use of the FRIDA guaranteed time granted to this group, as well as for other instruments at GTC. 

The selected candidate will be based at the IAC’s headquarters in La Laguna, and the IAC will provide the corresponding facilities and resources.

Doctorate: Applicants must have obtained a doctorate in Physics or Astrophysics. You will need to produce due accreditation that you are in possession of the title of Doctor at the moment of signing the contract.

Valued experience: Astronomers with a theoretical or observational background on the field of AGN are encouraged to apply.

Duration:  The contract will start after the Final Resolution of the call, starting day is negotiable but the duration will be till 30 September 2010.  Further extension is possible but not guaranteed.

Remuneration: The gross annual salary is 32.444,80 euros 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.

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, Exception to the Working Licence). Please contact the Spanish consulate in your country for details.

Compulsory documentation to submit:

• The Application Form (WORD, PDF)
• Curriculum Vitae with list of publications, a brief report on your research/technical activity, and a covering letter telling us about the skills you can bring to the job.
• A photocopy of your PhD Degree or certificate.
• A photocopy of your Passport.
• At least two letters of recommendation must be sent (preferably by email) directly by researchers or professionals familiar with your work, to the Secretariat of the IAC's Research Division.

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

All the above documentation must be sent, preferably by email, to the Secretariat of the Research Division, secinv@iac.es. Phone: +34 922 605261, Fax: +34 922 605210. Postal address: Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, C/ Via Láctea s/n, E-38205 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.

IMPORTANT: If the documentation is sent by post, the application form must be stamped by an postal office with the date you sent it (the applicant should keep a stamped copy). The stamp on the envelope will NOT be accepted.

Further information can be requested, preferably by email, to the Secretariat of the Research Division, secinv@iac.es. Phone: +34 922 605261, Fax: +34 922 605298. Postal address: Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, C/ Via Láctea s/n, E-38205 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.

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

For specific information on our research group and projects, please contact Dr. Almudena Prieto  (aprieto@iac.es)