Post-doctoral Research Assistant - INSTITUTE OF ASTRONOMY, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY, UK

No. (to be assigned by AAS)
Post-doctoral Research Assistant
INSTITUTE OF ASTRONOMY, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY, UK
Madingley Rd

Cambridge, CB3 0HA
UK
Tel: +44 1223 337522
FAX: +44 1223 337523
Email Submission Address: paslin@ast.cam.ac.uk
Email Inquiries: irp@ast.cam.ac.uk
URL: http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/~optics/cirpass

Attention: Paul Aslin, Departmental Sectretary


Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) for the CIRPASS project

The Institute of Astronomy is completing a near-infrared spectrograph (CIRPASS) for the Gemini-North 8m telescope. The instrument, which is nearing completion, will offer integral field and multi-object modes in the 0.9-1.8 micron window and employ a Rockwell HgCdTe 2048^2 detector. The instrument is on track for first light in mid-2000 and will provide an early infrared faint object spectroscopic capability for the Gemini community. Further details of the project can be found on http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/~optics/cirpass

The Institute seeks a talented observer/instrument scientist to assist in the completion of CIRPASS. His/her responsibilities will include coordinating and supporting the observing campaigns and liasing with CIRPASS observers from throughout the Gemini community. A secondary responsibility will be to maintain and further develop existing data reduction software. Much of the activity will take place in Hawaii and the PDRA will be expected to spend a considerable amount of time there as well as in Cambridge. A good knowledge of Unix and a high level language such as Fortran or C and familiarity with IRAF, IDL and Windows-95/98/NT would be advantageous.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to spend 25% of his/her own time developing scientific programmes for CIRPASS and be a full part of the Cambridge programme for the instrument for which substantial preparatory work has been undertaken. CIRPASS is expected to be on Gemini-N for a significant number of nights in the first 12-18 months of operation. CIRPASS is a non-facility instrument and is being operated by the Institute of Astronomy for the benefit of the whole Gemini community on a shared-risks basis. All members of the CIRPASS instrument team including the successful applicant will be authors on all papers arising from observations made with CIRPASS.

The post is for 2 years in the first instance with the possibility of extention pending the availability of funds. Starting date is Oct 1st 1999 or sooner. Salary will be in range £15,735 - £23,651 depending on age and experience. Further information about the post can be obtained informally from Dr I. R. Parry (Phone 44-1223-337092; email: irp@ast.cam.ac.uk). Applicants should send a CV and the addresses of 3 referees to Mr P. M. Aslin, Institute of Astronomy, Madingley Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0HA, before May 31st 1999.