The team coordinating the Spanish participation in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is seeking a motivated individual to fill a 2-yrs Project Scientist position (with the possibility of additional extensions based on available funding) at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC, Granada). This is a job for astronomers passionate about different areas of Astrophysics beyond their own ones, and enthousiastic about communicating SKA science to different audiences. The successful candidate is expected to start the appointment as soon as possible, and preferably not later than April 2020 (but negotiable).

The IAA 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.

Deadline (updated)

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

Applications

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

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

• Engagement with Spanish astronomers: Making the community aware of SKA capacities in diverse areas, the potential for multiwavelength/multimessenger synergies, informing about the SKA Science Working Groups and SKA Data Challenges, and encouraging participation in them. This would include preparing and giving seminars and talks in Spanish research centres, and the organisation of scientific activities in national conferences and meetings. The candidate is expected to learn about SKA science when needed e.g. to promote synergies and inform the community.
• Follow-up of SKA news and science-related documents, disseminating them to different audiences.
• Preparation of outreach material for the general public.
• Involvement in preparation of applications for funds.
• Support activities of the Spanish SKA Network and the organisation of activities.
• Keep active in their own scientific research

Qualifications

Candidates are expected to be active in science, with:

• A PhD in Astronomy or a closely related field, with some postdoctoral experience
• Expertise in radio interferometry
• Excellent communication skills, including written and presentations
• Interest in different areas of research within Astronomy beyond their own field
• 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
• Fluency in Spanish
• To be working in lines of research related to those of the host team, e.g. HI and/or magnetic field studies of nearby galaxies and environmental effects

Duration of the contract

2 years (the second year subject to performance assessment) with the possibility of additional extensions based on available funding.

The position comes with a competitive salary and funding for attendances to conferences and meetings with collaborators. Candidates will be able to work half-time on their own research.

The successful applicant will join Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro’s team at the IAA-CSIC (Granada) and work closely with her, assisting in her activities as coordinator of the Spanish participation in the SKA, with particular emphasis on the science related ones. In addition, Lourdes leads a scientifically active group of astronomers and engineers, and is the PI of the AMIGA project (Analysis of the interstellar Medium of Isolated Galaxies). She also leads the development of a Prototype SKA Regional Centre (SRC) at the IAA.

The Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) is a leading research institution in Astronomy that has very recently obtained the Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence distinction, an accreditation that recognises the centres that carry out cutting-edge fundamental science and are among the best in the world in their area. They stand out for their high competitiveness, their ambitious strategic plans, high-quality production, and a great ability to attract talent.

All info about the position and additonal information on the host group here: http://amiga.iaa.es/p/401-SKA_job_positions_IAA.htm