The team coordinating the Spanish participation in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is seeking a motivated post-doctoral radio astronomer to fill a 3-yr Project Scientist position (with the possibility of additional extensions based on performance) at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC, Granada). 

This is a job for radioastronomers both active in their own research and passionate about different areas of Astrophysics in which the SKA will have an impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for enthusiastically engaging with the Spanish community, identifying and fostering synergies both at national and international level, aiming to maximise the scientific return of the SKA. Up to half of the time will be available for their own research. The start date is negotiable, however sooner is preferable. 

The IAA-CSIC has coordinated the scientific and technological participation of the Spanish community in SKA since 2011, and in June 2018 Spain became a member of the Square Kilometre Array Organisation [1,2]. The IAA-CSIC is a leading research institution in Astronomy and Astrophysics awarded with the Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence Accreditation, in recognition of its cutting-edge research, high competitiveness, ambitious strategic plans, high-quality production, and a great ability to attract talent. The IAA-CSIC is situated in Granada, a historic, vibrant city at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and only a short drive from the Mediterranean coast.

Applications: Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) stating the motivation for this specific job and suitable background to lourdes@iaa.es, as well as to arrange for 3 letters of reference to be sent to the same address.

Deadline: We encourage candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible, but the position will remain open until it is filled.

Equal Opportunities: CSIC is a public research organisation in which the right to equality and gender non-discrimination is preserved, while promoting the conditions to real and effective equality of the individuals. Everyone is encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful applicant will join Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro’s SKA team at the IAA-CSIC (Granada) and work closely with her, including defining, leading or implementing actions to further consolidate SKA in Spain, with particular emphasis on the science related activities. A major aim will be to keep increasing the “visibility" of the SKA project in Spain, and the Spanish role and profile at international level.  Responsibilities will be focused on engagement with Spanish astronomers, including:

- Making the scientific community aware of the SKA capacities in diverse areas, and the promotion/organisation of scientific activities related with the SKA in national and international conferences and meetings.

- Informing about the SKA Science Working Groups and SKA Data Challenges, and encouraging participation in them.

- Promote/lead the formation of national working groups to exploit multiwavelength/multimessenger synergies, and facilitate international collaborations. 

- Follow-up SKA news and science-related documents.

The successful candidate is welcome to join other activities of the team. Lourdes is the PI of the AMIGA project (Analysis of the interstellar Medium of Isolated Galaxies) focused on the study of galaxy evolution in extreme environments from a multiwavelength perspective, with a special emphasis on the atomic gas (HI) component with SKA precursors and pathfinders. AMIGA is a scientifically active group of astronomers and software engineers, with collaborations with multiple international groups.  Lourdes also leads the development of a Prototype SKA Regional Centre (SRC) at the IAA (with a special emphasis on supporting Open Science at the SRCs). The group is a member of the SKA Communications and Outreach Network (SKACON), leading outreach activities in Spain e.g. contribution to the SKA Strategic Communication Plan, participation in radio/TV interviews, presentations to the general public, event organisation, or maintaining the Spanish SKA site (https://spain.skatelescope.org), etc. Besides, the IAA-CSIC represents Spain in the SKA Communications and Outreach Network Steering Committee (SKACOSC).

Qualifications

Candidates are expected to be active in science, with:

- A PhD in Astronomy, with some postdoctoral experience
- Extensive expertise in radio interferometry
- Interest in different areas of research within Astronomy beyond their own field 
- Excellent communication skills, including written and presentations
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Proven ability to meet deadlines
- Availability to travel
- High command of English (spoken and written)

The following aspects are not mandatory but considered an asset:

- Experience in research and future plans related to SKA science
- To be working in lines of research related to those of the host team, e.g. study of galaxy evolution and environmental effects, with a special emphasis on the atomic gas (HI) component with SKA precursors and pathfinders.

Duration of the contract: Funds are secured for 3 years. Additional extensions are possible based on performance. The position comes with a competitive salary, Spanish national health care as well as funding for hardware equipment and attendance to conferences and meetings with collaborators.