The IAC (Tenerife, Spain), the leading Astrophysical Center in Spain, announces an opening for ONE postdoctoral position to work within the framework of the Strategic Project “PLANETS07” (3I0308), whose Principal Investigator is Dr. Enric Pallé Bago.

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:

• Characterization of extra-solar planet host stars: determination of stellar parameters (including detailed analysis of chemical abundances) and study of chromospheric activity.
• Determination of radial velocity curves that provide the identification or confirmation of extra-solar planets around stars.  Use of the HERMES and HARPS-N spectrographs at the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory (La Palma).
• Spectroscopic characterization of transiting planets;

Specially valued will be the experience in:

• The experience and motivation to carry out the tasks related to the position the candidate applies for;
• Scientific-technical contributions to the candidate’s field of research;
• Scientific publications, quantity and quality, published in the SCI;
• Contributions in scientific meeting.

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 the second semester of 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 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 contract will start as soon as possible after the publication of the Resolution by the Director of the IAC, with a lasting period of three years, with yearly revisions.

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:

• The Application Form: WORD or PDF;
• Curriculum Vitae (including bibliography), brief statement of research interests, and a covering letter specifying the skills the candidate brings to the job;
• A photocopy of your PhD Degree (or statement concerning its obtention prior to start of the position);
• 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

Applications must be sent, electronic submission preferred, to the Secretariat of the Research Division, secinv@iac.es.  Applications may also be sent by post, but, if received after the deadline, they must bear on the application form a post office stamp dated before the deadline.  Please note that the stamp on the envelope is not sufficient. Postal address: Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, C/ Vía Láctea s/n, E-38205 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.

Questions about the position are encouraged and can be addressed to any of the members of the Strategic Project: Dr. Garik Israelian (gil@iac.es), Dr. Enric Pallé (epalle@iac.es) or Prof. Rafael Rebolo (rrl@iac.es).

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