Work location : Kanto district - Tokyo
Date of publication : 2025/02/10
D125020658
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Research field : Natural Science - Astronomy | Others - Others - Instrumentation in Astronomy
Assistant Professor level : Others - Nontenured - Non-tenure track - Probationary period present
Job description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) announces a vacancy for a position to lead the upgrade of receiver optics for the ALMA telescope, contributing to the enhancement of ALMA's observational capabilities.
Work content and job description
[Job Description]
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has been playing a leading role at the forefront of global astronomical research. ALMA is the largest (sub)mm-wave on-ground telescope and has been producing ground-breaking science since it became operative in 2011.
In order to keep its high scientific productivity, ALMA will be upgraded towards addressing the updated scientific goals identified in the ALMA Development Roadmap.
We invite applications for a Project Assistant Professor position based at the NAOJ Headquarters in Mitaka. The primary role of this position is to lead the upgrade of the receiver optical subsystem in the project team developing new wideband receivers. This effort is a critical element of the Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade, which is the top priority item in the ALMA Development Roadmap. The successful candidate will be expected to:
(1) Lead the upgrade of the receiver optical subsystem in accordance with the project phases
(preliminary design, critical design, manufacturing), collaborating with other subsystems to contribute to the design and formulation of the receiver system specifications;
(2) Drive the development of optical and waveguide components for integration into the ALMA receiver cartridges; and
(3) Foster collaboration with domestic and international ALMA partners on receiver optics and establish joint development frameworks as needed.
To fulfill the responsibility, the applicant is expected to have technical knowledge of optics in astronomical instrumentation. As part of this work, the applicant is expected to actively publish journal papers, attend international conferences, and prepare other technical and scientific documentation. English proficiency is also necessary since the successful candidate will work in English-speaking teams in NAOJ and also in collaboration with the ALMA partners in Chile, Europe, North America, Taiwan, and South Korea.
(Scope of possible changes) No changes
Assigned department
Existing departments
NAOJ ALMA Project
Precautions :
(Scope of possible changes)No changes
Job type
Research field
Instrumentation in Astronomy
Wages
Annual Salary : 5 million yen ~ 7 million yen
The amount of annual salary shall be determined based on the school career and job experiences in accordance with the NINS regulations, equivalent to an assistant professor position. The payment will be made monthly in 12 equivalents.
Working hours
Working hours :08:30-17:15
Break time :12:00-13:00
Holidays : Saturdays and Sundays, National Holidays, New Year holidays (December 29th - January 3rd)
Overtime and other explanations : The Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work shall be applied. (Standard work hours: 38.75 hrs/week, from 8:30 to 17:15 with an hour intermission)
Application requirements
Qualifications
Education and Degree Requirements
Ph.D. / Doctor
(1) Ph.D. or equivalent in astronomy or related fields;
Work experience
(2) Knowledge of optics in astronomical instrumentation;
(3) Capability to join, discuss and collaborate in English;
(4) Willingness to collaborate with the other members of ALMA Project of NAOJ and those in the ALMA partners; and
(5) Experience in the development of optical systems and components in astronomical instruments is preferred.
Employment Type
Others
Employee on Annual Salary System
Contract period
Nontenured - Non-tenure track
[Terms ofAppointment]
The successful candidate should be able to start as soon as reasonably possible after the job offer has been accepted. The term is for five (5) years, including the probation period of six (6) months. Annual performance review will be conducted. In case that the successful candidate was an NINS employee after 2013 April 1, the term may be set so that the total accumulated terms of the employment does not exceed ten (10) years.
(Renewal of Contract) Contract will not be renewed.
Probationary period present
a six-month probation period
Work location
(Scope of possible changes)No changes
Compensation
Various systems
Pay increase system :
available/Once a year in accordance with the performance evaluation.
Retirement allowances : not provided
Transportation expenses : provided/up to 55,000 JPY per month
Others :
- Day-care center for children (from 57 days old). *Availability depends on the situation. Childcare staff does not provide English support.
- Travel and relocation costs to NAOJ will be covered, subject to the travel regulations of NINS (details must be arranged with the administration office).
Insurance
Employees' Health Insurance : available/MEXT Mutual Aid Association
Employees' Pension Insurance : available
Worker's accident insurance : available
Employment insurance : available
Measures for preventing passive smoking at the workplace
Smoking is prohibited on the premises excluding designated outdoor smoking areas.
Supplementary explanation of compensation
Paid days off (annual leave, , refreshment leave, etc.)
Application Considerations
Number of hired
1 person(s)
Job content supplemental explanation
[Terms of Appointment:]
The successful candidate should be able to start as soon as reasonably possible after the job offer has been accepted. The term is for five (5) years, including the probation period of six (6) months. Annual performance review will be conducted. In case that the successful candidate was an NINS employee after 2013 April 1, the term may be set so that the total accumulated terms of the employment does not exceed ten (10) years.
(Renewal of Contract) Contract will not be renewed.
Application period
2025/02/10~2025/03/31 Deadline for receipt
12:00(noon) (Japan Standard Time)
Application method
Attached documents
Other online application forms
(To be prepared in English)
(1) Cover letter;
(2) Curriculum vitae;
(3) Publications list (Separate refereed and non-refereed papers. SPIE can be included in refereed papers);
(4) Summary of your past activitiesrelated to this position;
(5) Your plans to fulfill the responsibilities and aspirations for the position;
(6) Names, affiliations, and contact information of two persons who can provide reference information on the applicant;
(7) Your address (e-mail and phone) for prompt contact and the email address of your current supervisor or line manager.
Return of application documents
Others
Information submitted in your application documents will not be used for any purpose other than the selection process and for contacting you with necessary notices in connection with the selection. Once the selection process is complete, we will securely dispose of all application documents and personal information, except for those submitted by the successful candidate.
* Out of application period.
URL of this job posting
Selection / Notification of result
Selection
(1) Candidates selected in the final short list may be interviewed by the selection committee either via the internet or face-to-face. The expense for the interview will not be covered by NAOJ.
(2) If the selection committee determines that there are no qualified candidates for this position, this announcement may be closed without any selections.
Notification of result
Contact details
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
[If you have any question related to the other items, contact]
Personnel Unit, General Affairs Group, Administration Department
0422343600
job16-naoj-pap@nao.ac.jp
Subject of e-mail: “Question on Application for Project Assistant Professor in NAOJ ALMA Project”
[If you have any questions related to the job description, contact; ]
E-mail: misato.fukagawa@nao.ac.jp
Misato Fukagawa, NAOJ ALMA Project Manager
Subject of e-mail: “Question on JD of Project Assistant Professor in NAOJ ALMA Project”
Notes
• The NAOJ Advisory Committee for Research and Management will make the final decision for the appointment.
• Policy for Equal Employment Opportunity: Abiding by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act for Men and Women, NAOJ is committed to the realization of a society with gender equality. If two candidates are deemed equal in their performance evaluation, NAOJ will take positive action to employ women. For details, see
For details, see [//www2.nao.ac.jp/~open-info/genderequality/en/]. *put "https:" before //.
• If you have taken a leave(s) such as for maternity, child care, and/or family care, please indicate it in your curriculum vitae. We will take it into account when assessing your performance.
[Name of recruiter]
Inter-University Research Institute Corporation, National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS),
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)