Job Title

Job No.

Center

Location

Date Posted

Assistant or Associate Astronomer    

940

NSO

Tucson, Arizona

04/13/2009

The National Solar Observatory (NSO) invites applications for a tenure-track appointment to its scientific staff at the Assistant or Associate Astronomer level located at its site in Tucson, Arizona, with offices co-located with the National Optical Astronomy Observatory on the University of Arizona campus. The level of the appointment will depend on the qualifications of the candidate. In exceptional cases, a tenured appointment could be considered. 

The NSO is especially interested in candidates in observational solar physics who will conduct a research program utilizing the SOLIS Vector Spectromagnetograph (VSM) for studies of solar activity on all time-scales—from the origin and nature of transient events to the properties of the solar dynamo.  In addition to the conduct of forefront research, the new scientific staff member will be expected to support community use of the SOLIS facility, participate in the mentoring of students, and contribute in other innovative ways to the mission of the Observatory.

The NSO is in the process of completing commissioning of the new SOLIS (Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigations of the Sun) suite of instruments on Kitt Peak. The primary instrument of SOLIS is the VSM, which is regularly producing full-disk vector and longitudinal magnetograms of the Sun at unprecedented sensitivities. NSO, on behalf of the community, is leading the design, construction and operation of the next-generation, 4-m class Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST). The ATST will be an innovative facility with unique capabilities for the observational study of the Sun in the optical and infrared at the highest resolutions in the spatial, temporal and spectral domains.  The new scientific staff member can look forward to utilizing the spectropolarimetric capability of the ATST instruments once they are operational.  In addition, the NSO is collaborating with the University of Arizona under the auspices of an NSF-funded initiative to promote the growth of a new program in solar physics in the Department of Planetary Sciences/Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. NSO also operates the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) program, which provides full-disk longitudinal magnetic field images every minute around the clock. Please see www.nso.edu for a full description of our current facilities and programs.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astrophysics or a related field. A demonstrated record of innovative research and high promise, preferably in solar physics, is a requirement. Candidates should submit a curriculum vita, statement of research interests along with a brief research plan, list of publications, and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation submitted separately. Review of applications will begin June 15, 2009, and continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please submit an electronic CV and three professional letters of reference. Please refer to the job title and job number.

Send resume to:

Human Resources Office
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
P.O. Box 26732
Tucson, Arizona 85726-6732
Email: hrnoao@noao.edu
FAX: 520-318-8494

NOAO and NSO are affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employers. Preference granted to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'Odham Reservation.

NOAO actively support efforts to broaden participation in all Observatory activities. Women and candidates from under represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.