The IAC (Tenerife, Spain) announces an opening for TWO postdoctoral positions to work within the framework of the research project "The Solar Atmosphere: Theory and Observation" (AYA2007-66502), financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and whose Principal Investigator is Prof. Fernando Moreno Insertis.

The IAC hosts a large solar group, covering theory (magnetohydrodynamics, radiation transfer, spectropolarimetry), numerical simulation, observation and instrument building. Our group is developing 3D numerical models of dynamical processes in the solar atmosphere and convection zone, with special emphasis in the connectivity between different layers. We are interested in the magnetohydrodynamical and/or radiation aspects of state-of-the-art numerical simulations and also in their diagnostic capabilities for comparison with observations. We are primarily looking for a researcher specialized in theory and numerical modeling in one of the fields mentioned above. Yet, candidates with an observational background will also be considered.

Our team is a leading member of the SOLAIRE European Network (http://www.solairenetwork.net).  The appointed postdocs will thus benefit from the Solaire network research environment (http://www.solairenetwork.net/research.php), which has the explicit aim of fostering research collaboration among its participant institutions (http://www.solairenetwork.net/institutions.php) and its five collaborative work packages (http://www.solairenetwork.net/research.php?op1=1). The activities of the network include network meetings, postgraduate schools and complementary-skills courses.

Tasks:

The successful candidates must be active in at least one of the following general fields:

1. Numerical simulation of (magneto) hydrodynamical processes in the Sun.
2. Magnetic connectivity between the photosphere, chromosphere and corona.
3. Radiation hydrodynamics of the solar atmosphere.

Doctorate: You must have obtained your PhD in Astrophysics or Physics and have your doctoral certificate at the moment of starting your appointment.

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.

Remuneration: The gross annual salary is 34.405 Euros, subject to up to 20% tax and Social Security deductions. Medical insurance under the Spanish National Health Service will be provided, and (for married candidates) will also cover your accompanying partner and children.

Relocation grant: the successful candidate will receive a relocation grant for a maximum of € 2.000 covering the following items: flight ticket (booked and issued by the IAC), lodging for up to two weeks (organised by the IAC), per diem for up to two weeks. 

Duration: the contracts will hava a duration of 1 year each. The preferred starting date is before October 1st, 2009. Later starting dates are possible, but, due to legal constraints, the contract must finish before October 1st, 2010.

Non-UE citizens: Citizens from countries outside the European Union must obtain a VISA, Residence Permit and Work Permit Waiver from the Spanish authorities before signing a contract with the IAC. Please contact the Spanish consulate in your country for details.

Compulsory documentation to submit:

1. The Application Form: WORD or PDF;
2. Curriculum Vitae, brief statement of research interests, and a covering letter specifying the skills the candidate brings to the job;
3. A photocopy of your PhD Degree (or statement concerning its obtention prior to start of the position);
4. Two letters of recommendation. They must be sent directly by researchers or professionals familiar with the candidate's work to the Secretariat of the IAC's Research Division: secinv@iac.es

For any additional information, please contact Prof. Fernando Moreno Insertis (fmi at iac.es).

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