Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Radio Astronomy

The National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC) is seeking an exceptionally well-qualified applicant for a position as a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in radio astronomy at the Arecibo Observatory in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The position requires an individual who is an experienced researcher in using HI observations to study the astrophysics of galaxies.

The candidate selected will have competitive access to the 305-m diameter Arecibo telescope and its suite of receivers spanning the frequency range from 300 MHz to 10 GHz, and its backend signal processors capable of analyzing bandwidths up to 800 MHz. A Mark 5 VLBI system is used for ultra-wideband interferometric observations with other large telescopes in the US and Europe. The newly-operational, multibeam, Arecibo L-Band Feed Array (ALFA), and the community-based legacy surveys it supports, provides a wealth of opportunities for the successful applicant to be engaged in a collaborative role with the more than 100 students and scientists who are conducting ALFA survey observations at Arecibo.

NAIC Research Associates are employees of Cornell University, the institution that manages NAIC on behalf of the National Science Foundation. As such, they are paid a salary competitive with other prestigious research universities, and they participate in the Cornell benefits program. A relocation allowance is provided. All NAIC scientific staff members are expected to have broad scientific interests, and for that reason a generous travel allowance is provided to encourage staff members to participate in scientific conferences and maintain external research collaborations using other telescopes worldwide. Besides conducting an independent research program, on-site staff scientists are expected to advise visiting scientists on all aspects of their observing programs, and to help define and implement improvements to the ObservatoryòÀÙs instruments, observing techniques and signal processing facilities.

A PhD in astronomy or a related field is required. Staff Research Associates are appointed for a three-year period and may be reappointed for an additional three years, at which time promotion to Senior Research Associate may be considered. Senior Research Associates are appointed for a five-year period, with reappointment review. Salary and benefits are competitive, attractive and include a relocation allowance. Details will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Please send a complete curriculum vita, including academic, professional and personal data, a research plan and three letters of reference to: Director, National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center, 502 Space Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6801. EOE/AAE. Email submissions are also accepted. The deadline for receipt of applications and all supporting materials is February 26, 2008. For further information about the NAIC Arecibo Observatory see http://www.naic.edu.

AAS Job Register: Dec òÀÙ07, Jan, Feb òÀØ08