Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory plans to hire several research astronomers and other staff scientists to join the infrared, optical and technical support groups in Chile. At least two of these will be tenure-track positions, to be filled at the rank of Assistant or Associate Astronomer. A suitably qualified candidate may be considered for appointment with tenure.
Staff members should expect to participate in the planning and development of the new 4m SOAR telescope, its active optics and its IR and optical instruments. First light for SOAR is currently expected in 2002. Alongside SOAR on Cerro Pachon will be the 8m Gemini South telescope (first light expected in 2000). It is expected some instruments may be shared among some or all of the three main components of AURA's observatory in Chile - Gemini South, SOAR and CTIO.
As members of the CTIO scientific staff, the persons in the tenure-track astronomy positions will engage in a vigorous program of astronomical research using the CTIO facilities. An equal responsibility will be to collaborate with other scientific staff members in activities which include the development and support of the CTIO infrared, AO, and optical spectroscopy programs.
We shall also be seeking one or more scientists to be closely involved in our instrumentation program, particularly in adaptive optics development and in scientific computing efforts. Our local staff have recently completed a successful commissioning of the general-user active primary and tip-tilt secondary systems at the Blanco telescope.
It is desirable for all candidates to have at least two year`s experience after receipt of their doctorate in Physics or Astronomy. For an appointment at the Associate Astronomer level, a clear ability and desire to provide scientific leadership and direction within CTIO's research and development program will be necessary.
The instrument development activities are located at AURA's Observatory headquarters in the coastal city of La Serena, Chile, while the existing telescopes are located on Cerro Tololo, 1hr 30min inland at 2200m altitude. Cerro Pachon is at 2700m, 30 minutes from Cerro Tololo. The new staff members will work primarily in La Serena with frequent visits to Cerro Tololo. The working language is English. We offer excellent benefits and living conditions, including US-style rental housing on the AURA headquarters compound in La Serena, an overseas allowance, and annual travel to the point of origin. Applicants should submit a vita, statement of current research and instrumentation interests plus letters from three professional references to:
We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and will begin selection from applications received by 15 February 1998 and continue to accept applications for these positions until they are filled.
The starting date for the positions is flexible, but the first appointment may be effective as early as June, 1998.
We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.