[obsdoc] Postdoc for SIM program (CFA, Cambridge, USA)

[Réza Samadi <Reza.Samadi@obspm.fr>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2004 11:41:22 -0400 (EDT)
From: Pete Nisenson <nisenson@cfa.harvard.edu>


We are looking to hire a postdoc or equivalent to work with us
at CFA on our Precision Radial Velocity project. We are moving
our newly improved fiber-fed echelle to the 100" on Mt Wilson where
it will be used for two major projects (and an assortment of minor
ones): vetting red giants for the Space Interfereometer grid (eliminating
low mass binaries) and searching for exo-planets. This person would
have a range of duties from data analysis to some observing. It
would be ideal if they were interested in Red Giants as a research
topic as well.

Attached is a more detailed job description. Please let me know if
you have any possible candidates in mind. Thanks
-- 

Pete Nisenson                          Harvard-Smithsonian Center
                                           for Astrophysics
pnisenson@cfa.harvard.edu              60 Garden Street, MS 16
Phone:  617-495-7394                   Cambridge, MA  02138  USA


Position Title: Astrophysicist, IS-1330-11
Division:       Solar and Stellar Physics
Supervisor:     Sylvain Korzennik

Introduction:

  This is the position of Astrophysicist, Solar and Stellar Physics Division,
  Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to
  participate in a program of scientific research in support of JPL'a Space
  Interferometry Mission and SAO's Extra-solar planet program.

Duties:

  Participates in a program of scientific research in physics with emphasis on
  analyzing data from SAO's Advanced Fiber Echelle spectrograph (AFOE) that
  will be located at the Mt Wilson 100" telescope.


Specific duties include:

 1. Reducing, analyzing and interpreting spectroscopic data from the AFOE for
    candidate SIM Grid stars (Red Giants), searching for binary companions.

 2. Reducing, analyzing and interpreting spectroscopic data from the AFOE for
    solar-type stars that are candidates for finding new giant exo-planets.

 3. Following up on data from the AFOE for stars observed first with the MMT
    and its Hectochelle spectrograph.

 4. Supporting the observation program, including making observing lists,
    archiving the data, carrying out some observing on Mt Wilson.

 5. Carry out research on Red Giant stars, based on the AFOE spectra.

 6. Participate in exo-planet research using the new data and the AFOE
    archive.

 7. Preparing and presenting research results for timely publication in
    professional journals and at scientific meetings and
    colloquia. Participating in meetings and conferences to discuss current
    research with other scientists.

Factor 1: Knowledge required by the Position

  Knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices of the fields of physics
  and astrophysics as might be evidenced by a Ph.D. or comparable professional
  experience.

  Ability to develop and utilize appropriate computer codes and data analysis
  procedures to the research area described above. Especially useful would be
  familiarity with the Unix (Solaris and/or Linux) operating system and the
  IDL programming language.

  Knowledge of the development and application of echelle spectroscopic data.

  Ability to work effectively as part of a research group or scientific team.

Factor 2: Supervisory Controls

  The incumbent receives assignments in terms of overall objectives and
  resources available. He/she proceed independently, planning and carrying out
  the assignment, resolving problems, and selecting the appropriate approaches
  and methodologies. Completed work is reviewed from an overall stand point
  for feasibility and effectiveness in regular meeting.

Factor 3: Guidelines

  Guidelines set forth in general terms: prior research, existing theory and
  hypotheses. Frequently no guidelines are available. The incumbent selects
  and adapts from available possible methods and/or techniques those which may
  best apply to the problem. The incumbent must apply knowledge of physics,
  astrophysics and data analysis methodologies, exercising initiative and
  resourcefulness in deviating from traditional approaches and developing new
  methods and criteria.

Factor 4: Complexity

  The incumbent conducts independent scientific investigation involving a wide
  variety of techniques and procedures, application of many different and
  unrelated processes and methods, and demands substantial depth of
  analysis. In doing so, the incumbent will be faced with numerous complex
  decisions requiring him/her to decide on approach, methodology, and how best
  to resolve conflicting data. The incumbent must employ a variety of
  scientific methods and techniques in analyzing and interpreting data.

Factor 5: Scope and Effect

  The investigations of the incumbent contribute directly to large programs of
  research and have an impact upon the research of other specialists involved
  in the larger effort.

Factor 6: Personal Contacts

  The incumbent has contacts with others at all levels within SAO as well as
  with colleagues at other institutions and with funding agency
  personnel. Contacts are generally in informal settings but are rarely
  routine in nature.

Factor 7: Purpose of Contacts

  Contacts are principally for purposes of obtaining and providing information.

Factor 8: Physical Demands

  There are no unusual physical requirements.

Factor 9: Work Environment

  Usual office and/or laboratory working conditions: may require travel and
  observing at mountain top observatories.