The IAC (Tenerife, Spain), the leading Astrophysical Center in Spain, invites applicants for ONE Postdoctoral Researcher for the external project financed by the Spanish National Plan of R&D entitled: “Stars and Massive Clusters at Multifrequences and contribution to SPICA” (AYA2008-06166-C03-01/ESP), whose Principal Investigator is Dr. Artemio Herrero Davó.

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 postdoctoral researcher  within the Framework of the proyect entitled “Stars and Massive Clusters at Multifrequences and contribution to SPICA” (AYA2008-06166-C03-01/ESP), of the Spanish National Plan of R&D. These tasks will include

• All phases of NIR study of massive stars and clusters (from observations preparations to final analyses) using photometry and spectroscopy.

• Participation in the use and development of automatic techniques for data reduction and analyses, as well as for the search of massive stellar clusters
• The study of diagnostics in the mid-IR, specially focussed on the exploitation of Herschel data and in preparation for SPICA;

Specially valued will be the experience in:

• the use and development of real models of massive star atmospheres;
• preparation, development and análisis of IR observing runs, specially those with spectroscopic data;
• the use and development of automatic search tools for data basis.

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 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: During the first trimester 2009 until 31st December 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.

For any additional information, please contact Prof. Artemio Herrero Davó (ahd@iac.es).