The NOVA - ESO VLTI Expertise Centre (NEVEC http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/~nevec/) is a joint venture between the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy (NOVA, an association of Dutch university astronomy departments) and ESO.
The goals of the Expertise Centre are to:
1. Develop instrument modelling, data reduction and calibration techniques for VLT interferometry;
2. Accumulate expertise relevant for a second-generation VLTI instrument;
3. Provide education in the technical and scientific aspects of VLTI.
VLTI offers unique opportunities for investigating a broad range of fundamental astrophysical problems. A major task for NEVEC is to translate scientific drivers into innovative instrumental observing modes and calibration requirements, with emphasis on optimising VLTI for studies of faint objects.
NEVEC staff currently includes three scientists, and a scientific programmer. There is a vacancy for an additional scientist (astronomer) starting in 2002 for at least 3 years.
The position offers:
(i) An excellent university environment;
(ii) Time to carry out personal research;
(iii) Involvement with a major world astronomical facility;
(iv) Opportunity to pioneer techniques crucial for future projects in ground-based and space astronomy.
For this position experience with optical or radio interferometry or adaptive optics is desirable.
Applications should be addressed to Professor G. K. Miley PI, NEVEC or Dr. Eric J. Bakker Project Manager, Sterrewacht, University of Leiden, P.O. Box 9513, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands, with letters from at least 2 referees.
The deadline is January 1st 2002.
For further information contact George Miley (miley@strw.leidenuniv.nl) or Eric J Bakker (bakker@strw.leidenuniv.nl). The VLTI initiative is part of the 10-year NOVA program funded by the Netherlands Ministry for Education and Science initially for 5 years with the likelihood of an additional 5-year extension.