************************************************************************** BOLETIM ELETRÔNICO DA SAB N. 454 - 24/12/2008 ************************************************************************** SEÇÃO: INFORMES - OPORTUNIDADES Responsável: Helio J. Rocha-Pinto (helio@astro.ufrj.br) ************************************************************************** NESTA EDIÇÃO: 1. Research Fellow in Galaxy Evolution 2. Conference announcement: Accretion and ejection in AGN: A global view 3. Postdoctoral Positions in Stellar Astrophysics 4. Postdoctoral Fellow in Near Field Cosmology 5. Postdoctoral Fellow in Galaxy Evolution in Sidney 6. Adaptive Optics Scientist 7. Post-doctoral position in Titan climate modelling 8. Post-doctoral position in Signal/Image Processing 9. Post-doctoral position in Theoretical Astrophysics 10. Pós-doc em Astrofísica Extragaláctica ************************************************************************** 1. Research Fellow in Galaxy Evolution (Comunicado por Helio Jaques Rocha-Pinto em 17/12/08) University of Portsmouth Institute of Cosmology & Gravitation Research Fellow in Galaxy Evolution (24 month fixed term contract) Salary: Grade 7 Reference: RTEC0084 Closing Date: 15 January 2009 Start Date: 1 April 2009 The Institute of Cosmology & Gravitation (ICG) intends to appoint a research fellow in galaxy evolution, funded by the European Community through a Marie Curie Excellence Team Grant. The post is for two years, starting 1 April 2009 (or earlier by agreement). Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy or physics, and an excellent knowledge of galaxy evolution, either theoretical or observational. Knowledge of stellar evolution and chemical evolution is desirable. For enquiries contact: Claudia Maraston, claudia.maraston at port.ac.uk The ICG consists of 10 academic staff, 14 postdoctoral researchers and 22 PhD students, and is a member of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS- III), the Dark Energy Survey, the UK-Low-Frequency Array Consortium (LOFAR) and the UK National Cosmology Supercomputer Consortium (COSMOS). The researcher will have full access to these resources, as well as multi-processor machines at the ICG. More information is available at: http://www.icg.port.ac.uk An online application form is available at http://www.port.ac.uk/vacancies/downloads/applicationform.doc . Please quote the post reference number RTEC0084 on all correspondence. Applications (Application Form, CV, research statement, names of 3 referees) should be sent via email to jobs at port.ac.uk and copied to icg- admin at port.ac.uk. Applicants should also arrange for up to three letters of reference to be sent by email to icg-admin at port.ac.uk , to arrive by the closing date, 15 January 2008. Late applications may be considered until the post has been filled. ======================================================================== 2. Conference announcement: Accretion and ejection in AGN: A global view (Comunicado por Raimundo Lopes de Oliveira Filho em 18/12/08) The Brera Astronomical Observatory (INAF) and the Department of Physics and Mathematics of Insubria University are pleased to announce the conference: "Accretion and ejection in AGN: A global view" to be held on 2009 June 22-26 in Como-Centro Volta. The workshop will cover major observational and theoretical aspects of fuelling, accretion disks, outflows and relativistic jets in AGN, with emphasis on their interconnection and relation to environment. These topics are essentially multiwavelength in nature but rely especially on the high-energy side of the electromagnetic spectrum (X-rays, GeV and TeV gamma-rays). In particular, results from the AGILE and FERMI Gamma-Ray Telescopes and the second generation of Cherenkov telescope arrays will be presented. More information is available from the conference web site at: http://agncomo09.brera.inaf.it/ Yours sincerely, XMM-Newton SOC ======================================================================== 3. Postdoctoral Positions in Stellar Astrophysics (comunicado por Beatriz Barbuy e Márcio Catelan em 19/12/08) The Milky Way Millennium Nucleus of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) and Universidad de Valparaíso (UV) invites applications for up to three postdoctoral fellowship appointments in the area of Stellar Astrophysics. Two fellows will be based at the Departamento de Astronomía y Astrofísica at PUC, in Santiago, while the third fellow will be based at the Departamento de Física y Astronomía of UV, in Valparaíso. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year, with the possibility of an extension for another two years, depending on performance. The starting date should be September 2009, but earlier appointments may also be considered. These positions are intended for enthusiastic young scientists with a strong interest in carrying out cutting?edge research in the main areas of activity of the Milky Way Millennium Nucleus members (Márcio Catelan, PI; Dante Minniti, Deputy PI; Manuela Zoccali; Andrés Jordan; and Jura Borissova), which includes for example stellar variability in globular clusters and field populations in the Local Group, high?resolution spectroscopy, embedded star clusters in the Milky Way, and near IR stellar astronomy. In this sense, the successful candidates will be expected to devote at least 50% of their time to support the VVV (VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea) ESO Public Survey (see http://www2.astro.puc.cl/VVV). Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or related disciplines. A promising track record in scientific research in the areas listed above is also required. Candidates with prior working experience with near?IR astronomy and stellar variability are especially encouraged to apply. While the candidates will be expected to dedicate a significant fraction of their time to supporting the activities of the Milky Way Millennium Nucleus, a significant amount of time will also be provided for them to carry out their own research projects. As members of the Chilean astronomical community, the successful applicants will have access to up to 10% of the observing time in all the main international observatories installed in Chile, including CTIO, La Silla, Cerro Paranal, Cerro Pachón, and Las Campanas. The candidates may thus benefit from access to such world?class facilities as the VLT's, Gemini South, Magellan I and II, SOAR, NTT, and the upcoming VISTA and VST survey telescopes, along with many other smaller telescopes. Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and a brief description of research interests and accomplishments to the email address listed below. They should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to the same address. Candidates should express their preference to be based at PUC or UV in their cover letter. The application materials should be sent by email to Prof. Manuela Zoccali (mzoccali@astro.puc.cl). Full consideration will be given to applications received by February 28th, 2009. However, late applications may also be considered, until the positions are filled. ======================================================================== 4. Postdoctoral Fellow in Near Field Cosmology (Comunicado por Marcelo Borges em 20/12/08) Postdoctoral Fellow in Near Field Cosmology Sydney Institute for Astronomy School of Physics Reference No. 145021 Applications are invited for a position as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Sydney Institute for Astronomy (SIFA) at the University of Sydney, to carry out research on galactic archaeology under the supervision of Prof. Joss Bland-Hawthorn. The successful applicant will participate in the new million-star HERMES project that starts at the AAT in 2011. HERMES is a high resolution spectrograph (R=30,000) that will observe 400 stars at a time over a 2-degree field to obtain chemical information in 7 independent element groups. HERMES aims to collect 1.5 million stellar spectra over 5 years. All stars will have <0.1% distance errors from GAIA and will have multiband photometry from Skymapper. Our goal is to find the oldest distinct star clusters through chemical tagging (Freeman & Bland-Hawthorn 2002). The successful candidate (i) will develop multi-dimensional object-finding algorithms, (ii) be invited to participate in ongoing Galaxy observations with the AAOmega spectrograph, and (iii) be encouraged to conduct their own independent research program. SIFA comprises more than 70 staff and students, who conduct a diverse research program in observational astrophysics, theory and instrumentation. The group is engaged in cutting-edge instrumentation for the leading optical/IR telescopes, ELTs, JWST and SKA. We will soon be commissioning new OH suppression, hexabundles and tunable filter technologies with a focus on studying the highest redshift sources. The group makes active use of local, international and space-based facilities; for more information, see_ www.physics.usyd.edu.au/sifa_ . The University of Sydney is Australia's premier institute for higher learning, and occupies a beautiful 19th century campus in the heart of one of the world's great cities. Rated as having one of the highest standards of living in the world, Sydney offers warm weather, great food, and a vibrant and diverse cultural community. This position is full-time, fixed term for two years, subject to the satisfactory completion of a probation period, with a possible extension subject to funding. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees. Visa sponsorship will be provided to suitable overseas candidates. *Remuneration package*: $78k p.a. (which includes base salary $66k, leave loading and 17% employer's contribution to superannuation). For more information or to apply online, please visit_ http://positions.usyd.edu.au_ and search by reference number 145021. *Closing Date:* 1 February 2009 The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment for financial or other reasons. ======================================================================== 5. Postdoctoral Fellow in Galaxy Evolution in Sidney (Comunicado por Marcelo Borges em 20/12/08) Postdoctoral Fellow in Galaxy Evolution Sydney Institute for Astronomy School of Physics Reference No. 145037 Applications are invited for a position as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Sydney Institute for Astronomy (SIFA) at the University of Sydney, to carry out research on galaxy formation and evolution under the supervision of Prof. Joss Bland-Hawthorn (SIFA) and A/Prof. Andrew Hopkins (AAO). The successful applicant will participate in a new international collaboration called GAMA (Galaxy and Mass Assembly). The main area of focus will be the exploration of galaxy star formation rates, obscuration and morphologies as a function of galaxy mass and environment. GAMA aims to collect 250,000 galaxy spectra over 5 years complemented by new multiwavelength photometric data from UKIDSS, VST/KIDS, VISTA/VIKING, and HERSCHEL/ATLAS. The successful candidate will be invited to participate in ongoing observations, and will be encouraged to conduct their own independent research program. SIFA comprises more than 70 staff and students, who conduct a diverse research program in observational astrophysics, theory and instrumentation. The group is engaged in cutting-edge instrumentation for the leading optical/IR telescopes, ELTs, JWST and SKA. We will soon be commissioning new OH suppression, hexabundles and tunable filter technologies with a focus on studying the highest redshift sources. The group makes active use of local, international and space-based facilities; for more information, see_ www.physics.usyd.edu.au/sifa_ . The University of Sydney is Australia's premier institute for higher learning, and occupies a beautiful 19th century campus in the heart of one of the world's great cities. Rated as having one of the highest standards of living in the world, Sydney offers warm weather, great food, and a vibrant and diverse cultural community. This position is full-time, fixed term for three years, subject to the satisfactory completion of a probation period. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees. Visa sponsorship will be provided to suitable overseas candidates. *Remuneration package*: $78k p.a. (which includes base salary $66k, leave loading and 17% employer's contribution to superannuation). For more information or to apply online, please visit_ http://positions.usyd.edu.au_ and search by reference number 145037. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Bland-Hawthorn by telephone on (+61 2) 9351 2621 or by email: jbh@physics.usyd.edu.au; Enquiries regarding the recruitment process can be directed to Fang Zhou by email fang@usyd.edu.au *Closing Date:* 1 February 2009 The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment for financial or other reasons. ======================================================================== 6. Adaptive Optics Scientist (Comunicado por Marcelo Borges em 20/12/08) The W. M. Keck Observatory operates the world's two largest optical/infrared telescopes located on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Both telescopes are equipped with AO systems which are routinely used in both Natural and Laser Guide Star (LGS) AO modes. These systems have been extremely productive scientifically. New, more capable, systems are currently in design and development including an LGS AO upgrade to one telescope and a Next Generation AO (NGAO) Facility designed for even higher Strehl ratios, sensitivity and sky coverage. The AO Scientist will be expected to provide scientific leadership for the Observatory's AO development activities. In particular, the AO Scientist will play a lead role in the design, development, commissioning and optimization of the NGAO facility including science instruments, with an emphasis on the science operations tools and science performance. The AO Scientist will also participate in improvements to the existing AO facilities including performance optimization and characterization. Minimum requirements for this position include: Ph.D. level degree in astronomy or equivalent experience; a demonstrated record of publishing astronomical science based on AO observations; and two years of relevant AO experience, including performance characterization and science optimization. Desirable qualifications include: five years of AO experience; expertise in all stages of producing AO astronomical science from observation planning to publication; data analysis and high-level programming language skills; expertise in AO modeling and AO system control; expertise in relevant engineering fields; previous Observatory experience; and a proven track record in delivering facility-class systems. The following skills are required: Excellent written and oral English communication skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, strong project and time management skills; ability to set priorities and meet deadlines with flexibility. This is a regular position with a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including relocation assistance and private school (K-12) tuition support for dependent children. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. The position is opened until filled. Employment is conditional on successful completion of drug tests and background check. Mail or fax resumes, references, and salary history to: AO Scientist, WMKO, 65-1120 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, HI 96743; Fax (808) 881-3696 or employment@keck.hawaii.edu. Additional information about WMKO and this position may be found on our web site at www.keckobservatory.org. EEO/M/F/D/V ======================================================================== 7. Post-doctoral position in Titan climate modelling (Comunicado por Marcelo Borges em 20/12/08) Post-doctoral position in Titan climate modelling (based in Paris): Extension of the LMD Titan GCM into the mesosphere The planetary science team of the Laboratoire de Meteorologie Dynamique (Institut Pierre Simon Laplace) based on the Jussieu Campus in the heart of Paris, France, is working on the development of Global Climate Models (GCM) able to simulate the climates of Mars, Venus and Titan. Our GCM of Titan has been extensively used in its 2-dimensional restriction, with many successes. In particular, the super-rotation of the zonal winds was predicted before the arrival of the Cassini- Huygens mission, and the predicted wind field compare quite well with the observations. This is also true for the structure of the haze layer or the distribution of compounds in the stratosphere. It is currently under development in order to extend its capabilities. For this post-doctoral position, the objective is to extend the GCM vertically into the mesosphere. Once the needed modifications are done, the GCM will allow detailed studies of the mesosphere. At these altitudes, a complex photochemistry occurs, and is interacting with both the circulation and the aerosol layer. The study will include the waves activity, exchanges processes between mesosphere and upper stratosphere, the ability of the model to reproduce Cassini observations of the composition and aerosols in the mesosphere, the impact on the composition and aerosol distribution in the upper stratosphere. Skills: - PhD in atmospheric or planetary sciences, good knowledge in atmospheric physics, preferably experience in climate modelling with GCMs - good skills in computing are required (languages, unix environments) This position will be available for a start in early 2009, for 18 months. Applicants can send their letter of interest, curriculum vitae and contact information to : Sebastien Lebonnois ( sllmd@lmd.jussieu.fr ) ======================================================================== 8. Post-doctoral position in Signal/Image Processing (Comunicado por Marcelo Borges em 20/12/08) Post-doctoral position (3 years), Signal/Image processing at CEA Saclay, Service d'Astrophysique. Email : jstarck@cea.fr Web : http://jstarck.free.fr/PostdocImProc_CEA_SAP.pdf Date limite : 2009-02-28 Post-Doc The Service d'Astrophysique (SAp) at CEA Saclay invites applications for a postdoctoral appointment in the area of data analysis/image processing of astronomical data to work with Jean-Luc Starck. The CEA Saclay is a government research center situated 40 minutes from central Paris, France. The SAp has a wide interest in astrophysics ranging from planets to cosmology, with a specialisation in space missions (eg. Euclid, XMM-Newton, Herschel, PLANCK, JWST, Integral etc) and instrumentation (eg. Megacam on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope). The position is to work on sparse representation of astronomical data for different applications such as non-Gaussianity detection, inverse problem and compressed sensing. Candidates should have a PhD in Image processing, Physics or Astronomy. Previous experience in sparse representations (wavelet, curvelets, etc) and the development of data analysis methods is preferred, but experience in related areas is also suitable. The position, funded for at least 3 years (up to 5 years), will be renewed on a yearly basis depending on scientific progress and achievement. The gross minimum salary will be 34,000€ annually (~2,260€ net per month), and will be adjusted according to experience and family situation. A minimum of 5,000 € per year of travel money for each position will also be provided, in addition to the usual funding support of any French institution (medical insurance, etc). Applicants are requested to send a CV, a list of publications, and a brief statement of research interests. This material together with three letters of reference should be sent by the closing date to Jean-Luc Starck Laboratoire Astrophysique des Interactions Multi-échelles Irfu, Service d'Astrophysique, CEA Saclay, F-91191 GIF-Sur-YVETTE CEDEX, France. Email: jstarck@cea The closing date for receipt of applications : February 28, 2009 ======================================================================== 9. Post-doctoral position in Theoretical Astrophysics (Comunicado por Marcelo Borges em 20/12/08) The Institute of Astrophysics and Geophysics of the University of Liège offers a one-year renewable postdoctoral fellowship in theoretical astrophysics, in the framework of "CoRoT Data Exploitation - PRODEX". The successful candidate will access, through collaboration with the Liège team, to CoRoT light curves of, among others: solar-like stars, red giants, B stars... He/She would use and improve the modelling tools in use in the Liège team; in particular the inclusion of transport processes and rotation. Expertise of the applicant is required in: - Stellar evolution and modelling (beyond the use of existing tools as black boxes). - Stellar stability and asteroseismology - Transport processes in stellar interiors To apply, please send before January 30th 2009, a CV including a complete list of publications and at least two letters of recommendation to Arlette Noels : Arlette.Noels@ulg.ac.be and Marc-Antoine Dupret : MA.Dupret@obspm.fr Address : Institut d'Astrophysique et de Géophysique, Université de Liège, Allee du 6 Août, 17, B5C, B-4000 Liège (Sart Tilman), Belgium ======================================================================== 10. Pós-doc em Astrofísica Extragaláctica (Comunicado por Cláudia Mendes de Oliveira em 23/12/08) The project "AMIGA TO THE CUBE: NATURE, NURTURE AND VO TOOLS" (AYA2008-06181-C02-01) led from the Department of Extragalactic Astronomy at the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA-CSIC) in Granada, Spain, offers a FPI funding for the completion of a PhD thesis. The thesis project is a study of the effects of the environment in galaxies with different levels of interaction, from the most isolated ones up to groups of galaxies, based on multifrequency data (radiocontinuum emission, atomic and molecular gas, infrared, optical, etc.) with intensive use of the data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). He/she will participate, in addition, in the design of Virtual Observatory tools for data mining. She/he doctoral student will join the AMIGA group, an international collaboration led from the IAA in Granada, for which more information can be found on the website of the project (http://amiga.iaa.es). She/he will also interact actively with the Instituto de Radio Astronomia Milimetrica in Granada (http://www.iram.es) and the Spanish Virtual Observatory group (http://svo.laeff.inta.es/). As we have been informed, the publication of the call will take place in the coming weeks, and the deadline for submitting applications will be roughly between the come into effect of the call and mid-January. However, the opening and duration of this period will depend on the specific date of publication of the call in the official gazette Boletín Oficial del Estado. Applicants should be university students (spanish or foreign) in possesion of the title satisfying the requirements for accessing postgraduate studies or Official Graduate (e.g., M. Sc.), not only at the time of filling the application, but also at the date of publication of the resolution granting aid on the website of the Ministry of Science and Innovation (on schedule approximately at the end of the second quarter 2009). If you are interested please contact Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro (lourdes@iaa.es) *************************************************************************