Permanent full-time scientific position - Faculty of Sciences - Field: Astronomical Instrumentation and Exoplanets

10 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Liège (ULiège)

Research Field

Astronomy » Astrophysics
Astronomy » Other
Engineering » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

18 Feb 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Permanent

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The University of Liège is the biggest French-speaking public university in Belgium. In employs more than 5,700 staff members across four campuses, including 3,600 active teachers and researchers in all fields of the human and social sciences, science and technology, and health sciences. In hosts nearly 27,000 students of 123 different nationalities in one of the most multicultural and dynamic cities in Europe, less than an hour from Brussels and Cologne, two hours from Paris, and three hours from London and Amsterdam.

Actively involved in the social and environmental transition, ULiège supports students to fulfil their roles as responsible citizens (training in sustainable development, Green Office, etc.) and promotes ethical, multidisciplinary and open research. ULiège is committed to the region in which it operates and contributes towards local socio-economic development. It has developed numerous partnerships, notably with the university hospital.  International and united, it participates in the European University of Post-Industrial Cities, UNIC initiative and has one of the most extensive collaborative networks in the world.

ULiège offers attractive career prospects in a high-quality working environment , promoting well-being, diversity and equality of opportunity.  Since 2011, ULiège has been proud to display the European Human resources strategy for researchers  (HRS4R) label, which reflects its commitment to open, transparent and merit-based procedures. In addition, it recognises the quality and diversity of research in line with the recommendations of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). ULiège encourages its academic staff to travel internationally and welcomes international researchers through its EURAXESS centre.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The job of research logistician in the field of astronomical instrumentation applied to exoplanets, within the Space science, Technologies, and Astrophysics Research Unit (STAR Institute), and the Department for Astrophysics, Geophysics and Oceanography (AGO).

Over the past decade, the study of exoplanets has become one of the most active research areas in modern astrophysics and it will inevitably involve the design and use of increasingly large, expensive, and/or specialized instruments. This position will allow AGO and STAR to continue to take part in major international instrumental projects, enabling active participation in the most ambitious observing programs, giving direct access to data, and facilitating their analysis and interpretation.

Research Activities

The main tasks of the research logistician in the field of astronomical instrumentation applied to exoplanets will be to:

• manage and contribute to the technical aspects of the STAR Institute's participation in the METIS project, including supervision of assembly, integration and testing activities for high-contrast imaging modes, instrument commissioning, and local management aspects;
• support and enhance the scientific operation of complex instruments, particularly in the field of planetary system imaging (preparation of observations, optimal instrument operation, data processing);
• spur the emergence of new instrumental projects in astronomy on the ground and/or in space, and provide the necessary support to take the lead in these projects;
• coordinate the response to future calls for ideas and missions issued by major international organizations such as ESO, ESA and NASA, as well as calls from the European Commission;
• promote and strengthen interactions between the various research groups of the STAR Institute, in particular by linking the technical activities of the Liège Space Center (CSL) with the scientific activities of the AGO department, and STAR's relations with potential industrial partners involved in astronomical instrumentation.

Teaching Activities

It is foreseen that the logistician will eventually be involved in the organization of a course dedicated to astronomical instrumentation as part of the Master's degree in Space Science organized by the AGO department. The logistician will also be involved in the supervision of Master theses, and in the maintenance of teaching equipment.

Community service Activities

The successful candidate will be involved in activities to promote the Master in Space Science and will play an active part in the life of the AGO Department and STAR Institute.

Qualifications REQUIRED / PROFILE

• Hold a degree of Doctor of Science (or equivalent).
• Show international research experience in the field of astronomical instrumentation, particularly applied to exoplanet imaging.
• Having completed a research stay abroad is a major asset.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The selection procedure will comply with the regulations in force at the Université de Liège.

Our institutional policy is based on diversity and equal opportunity. We select candidates based on their qualities and regardless of their age, sexual orientation, origin, beliefs, disability or nationality.

APPLICATIONS

Applications should be made using an on-line form available at: https://my.uliege.be/portail/go_xt.do?a=o%7C11004%7Ce%7C568802  no later than 18/02/2024 (before midnight Belgian time). Late applications may be refused.

Documents required

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae (see Faculty of Science website for details: https://www.sciences.uliege.be/emploi-sciences );
• A list of the five most important publications, accompanied by a brief description of the contribution to these publications and a link to a PDF version for each of them.
• A report (maximum 3 pages) on previous and current research activities, as well as a research project (maximum 3 pages) including the planned integration at the University of Liège.
• The names and contact details of two persons who may be contacted for advice on the application.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The position is awarded either for a fixed term of four years, which may lead to a permanent appointment after an evaluation, or immediately on a permanent basis.

INFORMATION

Information about the profile and tasks may be obtained from: M. Jean-Marie Beckers – tel. : +32 (0)4 366 33 58 – [email protected]  

Additional information may be obtained from: Ms Ninfa GRECO, Administrative Director of the Faculty of Sciences  – tel.: +32 (0)4 366 50 41 – [email protected]

REMUNERATION

The salary grids and their rules of application are available from the Human Resources department of the University: Ms Ludivine DEPAS – tel.: +32 (0)4 366 52 04 – [email protected]

Requirements

Research Field

Astronomy

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Astronomy

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Liège (ULiège)

Country

Belgium

City

Liège

Postal Code

4000

Street

Place du Vingt Août 7

Where to apply

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/university-of-liege/2024/permanent-full-time-s…

Contact

City

Liège

Website

http://www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_5000/en/home

Postal Code

4000

STATUS: EXPIRED