Advertisement for an RAO Resident Astronomer Position

The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory of the University of Calgary is seeking a part-time Resident Astronomer (RA). The position is for one year, and is renewable.

This position is funded in part by the Department of Physics and Astronomy and in part from research funds of grant-funded members (currently Drs. Hobill, Kwok, Leahy, Milone, and Taylor) of the Astrophysics Group (hereafter the 'Board'). The position may be supplemented by teaching within the Department of Physics & Astronomy, depending on teaching qualifications.

The application, CV, and three letters of reference should be directed to
The Search Committee
RAO, The University of Calgary
2500 University Dr., NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Canada

All materials should be received prior to July 1, 1999.
In accord with Immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority in hiring.

The qualifications, duties, working conditions, and reporting requirements of the RA position are as stipulated below.

Qualifications

  1. PhD in observational astronomy or equivalent experience.
  2. Familiarity with astronomical instrumentation and software.
  3. Effective teaching ability (a requirement for a supplementary teaching position).
  4. Independent research programme, compatible with RAO instrumentation

Duties

  1. Carry out service observations with the IRT for the consortium members and other faculty members or external members in approved observing programs.
  2. Assist and instruct students to use the RAO facilities
  3. Assist in RAO astronomical data reduction for the faculty members of the astronomy group.
  4. Engage in public relations activities, such as the visitor's corner displays, open houses, and certain public visits, as directed.
  5. Participate in the laboratory teaching of courses involving RAO activities, principally, but not exclusively, Astr 205, 211/213, and Asph 507/607.
  6. Assist in the development and check-out of the instrumentation, computing facilities, and software of the RAO.
  7. Carry out an independent research programme, independently of the 20-hour duties indicated below, with RAO facilities. This work is expected to result in publication in prestigious journals, and bearing an RAO Publications number.

Working conditions

  1. The resident astronomer (RA) is a part-time position with the main work place located at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory. The RA is also expected to come to the Department of Physics and Astronomy from time to time for the purpose of meeting and reporting.
  2. The rate of pay for the RA position, per se, is $15/hour with an anticipated averaged workload of 20 hours per week (involving, at most, 3 nights/wk), with salary for the RAO position not to exceed $15,400 in a calendar year.
  3. The RA should fill out timesheets once every two weeks, giving a detailed account on the work involved.
  4. Since this is a part-time position, the RA should inform the RAO co-directors and department head, of any other employment which may conflict with his/her regular duties at the observatory.
  5. The working hours are flexible with the expectation that the RA will take advantage of favourable observing weather by concentrating his/her working hours during those times.
  6. Holiday time should be coordinated in advance. The terms allow for a two week (unpaid) holiday period during the year, as well as Christmas Eve, New Year's eve and other statutory holidays. Additional unpaid holiday time may be taken if such times are coordinated, in advance, with the co-Directors and Department Head.

Reporting

  1. The RA should report regularly to the co-directors of RAO and to the RAO Support Group on the work accomplished.
  2. The RA should report to the recipients of any service observing involved after each session on the results obtained during the session.

Links to RAO pages:

RAO Details

RAO Picture Gallery

For other information, feel free to contact any member of the Board.

Website document prepared by E. F. Milone (milone@acs.ucalgary.ca)