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The Anglo-Australian Observatory seeks to hire two Magellan Fellows to
carry out support duties and research associated with the Magellan
telescopes. The positions are for 3 years (with a possible 6 month
extension if funding permits), with the first 2 - 2.5 years spent as
facilities scientist at the Las Campanas Observatory supporting the
two 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes and their instruments by assisting
with maintenance and upgrades, working with visiting astronomers, and
participating in the general science operation of the Observatory. The
final year will be spent in Australia carrying out the Fellow’s
own research. Any Australian astronomical institution may host the
Fellow. The successful candidates for these positions will be PhD
scientists experienced in observational astronomy and with a strong
research record. They should propose a program of research to be
carried out during their Fellowship and obtain support for their
candidature from a suitable hosting institution in Australia.
The Las Campanas Observatory is 160 km north of La Serena, Chile, at
an altitude of 2300 metres. The Fellows will reside in La Serena but
spend approximately two weeks per month working on the mountain.
During the time spent in Chile, Fellows will have the status of
Carnegie Observatory postdoctoral fellows and spend about one-third of
their time on research; during the final year in Australia, they will
be able to spend all their time on research. It is expected that their
research programs will involve use of the Magellan telescopes,
although there is no guaranteed time with the positions. Fellows will
be able to apply for Magellan time through the Australian share, and
can similarly access Gemini and the AAT. Fellows are also eligible to
apply for time on the du Pont 2.5 metre and Swope 1.0 metre telescopes
on Las Campanas.
Minimum requirements for these positions are a PhD in Astronomy or
Physics and significant optical and/or near-infrared observing
experience. Preference will be given to candidates with direct
instrumentation experience. Proficiency in the following is desirable:
optical design, controls, IRAF programming, Python, or IDL. Knowledge
of Spanish is an asset but not essential.
The appointments will be for a period of 3 years initially, subject to
the satisfactory completion of a 6-month probationary period, and with
the possibility of a 6 month extension to the time spent in Chile if
funding permits. The salary will be AU$76,448 p.a. plus employer
superannuation contributions and full medical benefits. Relocation
expenses up to a reasonable limit will also be paid (including airfare
to Chile at the start of the position and to Australia before the
final year). The positions carry a research stipend of AU$7000 per
annum; Australian hosting institutions for Fellows in their final year
can provide additional support. The appropriateness of the institution
and its support will be considered in evaluating candidates. The host
institution may change if the Fellow’s circumstances
dictate.
Applications are now sought for these two positions, to start by 1
July 2009. In order to apply you need to obtain the employment
information package and follow its guidelines. You can obtain the
package by contacting the Personnel Officer on (02) 9372 4863 or by
downloading it from http://www.aao.gov.au/local/www/jobs/.
Please lodge your application electronically to jobs -@- aao.gov.au.
Applications should be received by 16 February 2009 and include a
covering letter demonstrating how the candidate meets the criteria for
the position, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a statement
of proposed research, a letter from their Australian host institution
setting out the support offered to the candidate, and full contact
details (including phone and e-mail) of three referees familiar with
the applicant's work.
Further information about the positions may be obtained from http://www.aao.gov.au/local/www/jobs. Questions
can be addressed to Dr Stuart Ryder, Australian Gemini Scientist
(phone +61 2 9372 4843, fax +61 2 9372 4880 or e-mail: ausgo -@-
aao.gov.au).
The Anglo-Australian Observatory is an equal opportunity employer.
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