Postdoctoral position available at FINCA

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher position at the Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA). FINCA is a national research institute that takes care of Finnish co-operation with the European Southern Observatory (ESO); practises and co-ordinates high quality astronomical research, and technological development work related to ESO; participates in researcher training; and promotes co-operation of Finnish universities in astronomy.

The successful applicant will join the Academy of Finland -funded project lead by Dr. Talvikki Hovatta on studying magnetic fields in active galactic nuclei jets. The project aims at resolving the magnetic field structure and primary particle acceleration mechanism of active galactic nuclei jets using radio and millimeter-band polarization observations.

The start of the employment is negotiable, but preferably by September 1st, 2020. The appointment is for a period of two years, with a trial period of six months.

Job description:

You will participate in preparatory work for enabling polarimetric observations with the 14-m telescope at Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory. Main part of the project is to characterize the instrumental polarization due to the protecting radome of the telescope. This will involve analyzing archival (polarimetric) very long baseline interferometry data. Additionally, you may participate in developing the continuum backend for a new receiver. You are also encouraged to pursue research topics of your own choice, in one of the areas related to the extragalactic research at FINCA or the radio astronomy group at Metsähovi Radio Observatory. The main focus areas are studies of relativistic jets of active galactic nuclei, multiwavelength observations of blazars, and AGN population studies. The PI’s group is active in several international research collaborations such as MOJAVE monitoring program of AGN jets and the Cherenkov Telescope Array consortium.

You may choose to work either at Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory (greater Helsinki area) or at University of Turku.

Requirements:

– PhD in astronomy or a closely related field (Postdoctoral Researcher candidates must hold a doctoral degree in astronomy or related fields by the end of the application period)

– Strong background in radio interferometry, preferably very long baseline interferometry

– A track record of scientific publications in high-quality peer reviewed journals

– Good communication skills in English

– Experience in polarimetric VLBI observations, instrumentation, or signal processing is considered an advantage.

Salary:

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a postdoctoral researcher, the salary is at levels 4-6 on the job demands chart, where the task specific salary component is 2535,20-3423,25 EUR/month. In addition, a personal work performance component at a maximum 50 % of the task specific salary will be paid. Depending on qualifications, the starting gross salary is typically within the range of 3111,68-3229,11 € per month.

Included Benefits:

The contract includes a paid annual leave, occupational health care coverage, retirement and social security benefits. Support for participation in conferences and research visits is available.

Applying:

Applications must be submitted by 15 April 2020 (23:59) at the latest via the electronic application form of the University of Turku. The link to the electronic application system can be found at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job). This job announcement can be found from the University of Turku recruitment page: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies

Applications in English must include as attachments a CV, a list of publications, and a short research statement (max. 4 pages), which should be uploaded via the electronic application system. Letters of recommendation from at least two referees familiar with the applicant’s work must be arranged to be sent directly to Antti Fjällström: ajfjal at utu.fi.  We encourage applications from candidates irrespective of nationality, gender, or background.

For more information on the position, contact Dr. Talvikki Hovatta: talvikki.hovatta at utu.fi
For more information on the application process, contact HR-specialist Antti Fjällström: ajfjal at utu.fi