Job Title

Job No.

Center

Location

Date Posted

SOLAR Astronomer/Instrument Scientist  

869

NSO

Sunspot, NM

11/06/07

The National Solar Observatory (NSO) invites applications for an appointment on its scientific staff at its site in Sunspot, New Mexico. The level and duration of the appointment will depend on qualifications of the candidate.  A tenure-track appointment may be considered. The NSO is seeking candidates with a background and interest in the scientific definition, design and development of solar instrumentation. The successful candidate is expected to lead the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) instrumentation effort. This person will be responsible for the detailed scientific specifications of the ATST instrumentation, including the polarimetric capabilities of the ATST facility and is expected to participate hands-on in the instrumentation design effort. This new scientific staff member will be required to work closely with the ATST Project Scientist, the ATST engineering team and the ATST instrument partners and is expected to foster collaborations on a national and international level. An interest in pursuing a vigorous program of research using NSO and other ground-based and space-based facilities would be considered an asset.

The NSO operates forefront facilities for ground-based observational research by the scientific community on Kitt Peak, Arizona, Sacramento Peak, New Mexico, and at six GONG sites around the world. On Sacramento Peak, NSO operates the 76-cm R. B. Dunn Solar Telescope with an adaptive optics system that provides state-of-the-art imaging of the Sun. A 40-cm coronagraph and other facilities are located there. NSO has a leadership role in the design, construction and operation of the next-generation, 4-m class Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST). The ATST will be an innovative, forefront facility with unprecedented capabilities for observational study of the Sun in the optical and infrared at the highest resolutions in the spatial, temporal and spectral domains.  Detailed information about NSO facilities and projects is available at www.nso.edu.

Applicants must have a PhD in astrophysics or a related field or equivalent experience. Demonstrated experience in instrumentation development and innovative research, preferably in solar physics, is a requirement.  To be considered for the position, send a brief statement of research interests, curriculum vitae and the names of at least three references willing to provide letters of recommendation.  Review of applications will begin December, 31 2007, and will continue until the position is filled.

Send application material via email to rhunter@nso.edu, or mail to the address below.

Send resume to:

Mr. Rex Hunter

AURA/National Solar Observatory

P.O. Box 62

Sunspot, NM  88349-0062

NOAO and NSO are affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employers. NOAO and NSO foster a diverse research environment. Women and candidates from under represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.