Three year postdoc position in the field of exoplanet research at the Stellar Astrophysics Centre (SAC)
Three year postdoc position in the field of exoplanet research at the Stellar Astrophysics Centre (SAC), Aarhus University, Denmark
The aim of the Stellar Astrophysics Centre (SAC) is to perform a coherent study of stars and planetary systems. From an observational point of view the study of the physics of stars and planetary systems is undergoing a revolution, thanks to recent and coming observational facilities, including the Kepler mission, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), and the Danish-led SONG network. The goal of the Centre is to ensure that full use is made of these possibilities to perform a coherent study of stars, and their associated planetary systems, through the integration of several normally separate fields.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy plays a leading role in the asteroseismic use of data from the NASA Kepler mission and in the ground-based SONG network. We also have access to telescopes through the Danish membership of European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT). The Centre recently made a new staff hire in the field of exoplanet research (Simon Albrecht) to strengthen its research profile in this field.
Areas of work for the successful applicant may include work on detection of planetary systems as well as detailed studies of exoplanet system architecture, system evolution, and exoplanet atmospheres. However, the successful candidate is encouraged to pursue an independent research program in connection with the research carried out by the members of the SAC. SAC has established direct research collaborations with research groups from MIT, University of Sydney, University of Birmingham, NASA Ames Space Center and University of Freiburg, which form an integral part of the Centre. There is an extensive exchange of scientists with our collaborators, with many shorter and longer visits to, and by, them. The many visitors and the postdoc and PhD programme at SAC provide a vibrant working environment and we invite the successful applicant to be a part of this environment.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or equivalent, by the date of their appointment. The starting date is expected to be in 2014, but the exact date is negotiable. The duration of the position is up to three years: an initial two-year appointment and one annual renewal contingent on satisfactory performance.
Questions regarding this job offer should be directed to Associate Professor Simon Albrecht (albrecht@phys.au.dk) or Associate Professor Hans Kjeldsen (hans@phys.au.dk).
The Faculty of Science refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV, a list of publications, and a statement explaining their past and current research (maximum 3 pages) as well as a research proposal (maximum 3 pages) - the recommended level of detail.
Furthermore, applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be uploaded together with the application or sent to the HR-Department by e-mail: natmnsp@jobsys.au.dk. Please be aware that all reference letters should be uploaded or e-mailed before the application deadline.
Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Confederation of Professional Unions.
Deadline: all applications must be made online and received by 15/12/2013.