Bell Burnell Fellow will represent and reflect all of ASTRON’s foundational values as it continues its 75 year leadership in radio astronomy discovery and innovation. The fellowship provides an outstanding opportunity for a scientist to pursue innovative research and development in an institute that spans the entire spectrum of radio astronomy expertise – from development, to operation, to science frontiers. 

 

The Bell Burnell Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed to help scientists build upon emerging strong careers as independent researchers. A Bell Burnell Fellow will be expected to undertake independent research that makes use of, and contributes to, the observational strengths and capabilities of ASTRON. Within this context, the fellowship is open for any type of science. We also explicitly welcome applicants from non-traditional astronomy tracks. ASTRON has experience fostering the best researchers in radio astronomy via their direct exposure to the commissioning and operation of radio instruments. As such, preference will be given to candidates that emphasis the ability to combine their science interests with the development, commissioning or operation of ASTRON’s radio instruments.

Essential criteria for the job include:

• A doctorate in astronomy, physics, or related discipline to radio astronomy (e.g. electrical engineering)
• Demonstrated research experience and expertise in radio astronomy
• A record of science innovation and creativity, plus a proven ability and willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations and associated telescopes
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and lead a project using, or related to, radio telescopes, instrumentation, and/or software
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed team, across science, operations, and/or engineering
• Demonstrated contribution to the work environment and culture of their previous affiliations (e.g. service on colloquia organisations, equity, diversity, and inclusion committees etc)
• Fluent in the verbal and written communication of English

 

Your duties as a Bell Burnell Fellow will include:

• Carrying out innovative and self-directed research with use-cases for any of ASTRON’s key facilities, including WSRT, LOFAR, EVN, SKA and its pathfinders;
• Taking on project collaboration with ASTRON staff, assisting in the commissioning, preparation, and operation of ASTRON and/or SKA facilities;
• Writing scientific papers for publication and presenting results at major national and international conferences;
• Fostering a healthy work environment at ASTRON.

 

The job applications for this position would likely be open in September this year and we expect to hire one person for the position.