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Astronomers Required for the ESA Space Telescope Division at the Space Telescope Science Institute

Astronomers Required for the ESA Space Telescope Division at the Space Telescope Science Institute

27 September 2005

ESA provides personnel to the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) as part of its collaboration with NASA onthe Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Some of this personnel are funded from the Space Telescope Division,Directorate of the Scientific Programme of ESA, through a contract with the STScI.

Positions now closed

These contracts have a two-year duration, are renewable, and salaries and benefits are commensurate with those of AURA employees at the STScI.

There are currently different positions available at the STScI and these will be filled with the person whose background best matches the individual job requirements.

Astronomers work in key areas throughout the Institute including instrument support, user support, observation planning and scheduling, and archival support.

In general the functional duties will encompass one or several of the activities associated with the instruments currently on board HST or to be deployed in future servicing missions. This includes the characterization, on orbit testing and calibration of the scientific instruments and/or the support to Users during the preparation, implementation and execution of the observing programs. Duties for other HST related positions include the scientific oversight of projects to further improve the HST observing efficiency and user interface, or related to the scientific use of the HST archives.

Some specific posts currently open include the following activities:

  • Direct support to Users of HST instruments currently on board, ACS, WFPC 2, NICMOS and FGS
  • Development of archival tools and systems in support of the HST archives and the international Virtual Observatory initiatives

Astronomers spend 50% of their time on personal research and 50% in support of the science mission of the Institute, therefore, in addition to the functional tasks, the successful candidates will be expected to carry out an active program of research in astronomy. The STScI professional environment is stimulating and intended to facilitate independent research. STScI supports postdoctoral, graduate student and visitor programs, workshops and meetings, and has excellent computer, technical and library infrastructure.

Candidates for these positions must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in astronomy or physics, and have considerable research experience with an established record of independent research and scientific publications in astronomy. The primary qualifications we are seeking are excellence in instrumental or observational, research. Applications are encouraged from both junior and senior astronomers, as the experience and accomplishment of the successful applicant will determine the level of the appointment.

Since these contracts are funded by ESA, they are restricted to nationals from ESA member states.

Send your curriculum vitae and bibliography, along with a signed letter of application and a brief statement of how you think working at STScI may further your research and functional goals, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the address below.

Applications received by 15 October 2005 will receive full consideration.

Dr. F. Duccio Macchetto
Space Telescope Science Institute
3700 San Martin Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21218
macchettostsci.edu

Last Update: 1 September 2019
28-Mar-2024 20:40 UT

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