The IAC (Tenerife, Spain), the leading Astrophysical Center in Spain, invites applications for ONE post-doctoral position to work during one year as postdoctoral researcher within the framework of the project entitled: “Nature and Evolution of X-Ray Binaries” (AYA2007-66887).

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/).

Tasks:  The successful candidate will work as post-doctoral researcher within the framework of the project entitled: “Nature and Evolution of X-Ray Binaries” (AYA2007-66887).  Principally, she/he will participate as Principal Investigator of the Project, as stated in the funding provided by the Spanish Plan of R&D.

Doctorate: You must have obtained your PhD in Astrophysics or Physics and have your doctoral certificate at the moment of starting your appointment, to take place during January 2009.

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 33.422,54 €, 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).

Relocation grant: In the present call for applications we include a re-location grant for the successful candidate in which the following items are included: a flight ticket (booked and issued by the IAC), lodging for up to two weeks (organised by the IAC) and per diem for up to two weeks.  This grant will be limited to a ceiling value of € 2,000.

Duration:  From the first trimester of 2009 until the first trimester of 2010.

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.

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