Postdoc in Radio Astronomy

Application deadline: 1 June 2016, or until the position is filled

Start date: 1 July 2016, or as soon as possible.

NARIT, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, is offering one post-doctoral position starting from May 2016.

About NARIT

NARIT is a leading organization in Thailand and South-East Asia. Based in Chiang Mai, NARIT manages the Thai National Observatory at a 2,457m site on Doi Inthanon, with a new 2.4-meter telescope, which is the largest in South East Asia, and robotic telescopes in Chile (PROMPT8) and in Li Jiang, China, in collaboration with the Yunnan Astronomical Observatories. The small but active Science Group in NARIT is composed of about a dozen professional astronomers and postdocs with a diverse and stimulating international background, and is foreseen to expand significantly in the coming years. NARIT scientists collaborate extensively with colleagues in all continents and carry out their observations at several facilities world-wide. The research fields include exoplanets, stellar, asteroids and near-Earth objects, cosmology, and radio astronomy and VLBI. NARIT invests significant resources in outreach, training, and development of astronomy. It hosts an International Training Center and the newly established IAU Regional Office of Development for Astronomy. NARIT actively collaborates with numerous Universities in Thailand both in research and in student education. NARIT is also leading the establishment of six regional observatories in Thailand.

NARIT has initiated a major effort in radio astronomy, a relatively novel area in South-East Asia, with the ultimate goal of establishing one or possibly two VLBI nodes in Thailand. A feasibility study and a preparation project are being conducted for establishment of the Thai-national radio astronomical observatory, with collaborations with institutes from Korea, Japan, Australia, UK and Germany. 

Requirements for the position

Citizens of any country are invited to apply, without discrimination for gender, race or religion. The successful applicant shall hold a PhD in Astronomy, Physics or related sciences not older than 8 years by the start of their contract. It is also acceptable to obtain the degree after the start of service at NARIT, provided that all obligations have been fulfilled. 

The successful applicant will be expected to carry out independent research in the fields of radio astronomy, e.g. pulsars, masers or VLBI-related astronomy, in coordination with NARIT radio group. A fraction of duty time (20%) will be dedicated to preparation of the radio astronomical observatory project and setting up a small radio telescope for university laboratory. Good background knowledge in VLBI and radio telescope software and system is preferable. The candidates are expected to be fluent in written and spoken English. The position is for two years, with extensions possible. The contract will have a duration of one year initially, with the second year subject to evaluation.

Contact and conditions

The monthly salary shall be 38,000 THB, inclusive of housing allowance and medical insurance, subject to income tax. Cost of living and income tax in Thailand are considerable lower than, e.g., those in western countries. Chiang Mai is a vibrant and pleasant city in northern Thailand, with many touristic attractions and a large expatriate community.

Applications can be sent in free format to the postal or email address below until 1 June 2016, and they shall include a cover letter with the foreseen starting date, a CV, two reference letters from established professional astronomers, and a statement of intended research while at NARIT. Short-listed applicants might be asked for an online interview (e.g. via skype). Applications are invited until the position will be filled. The position will be available starting from 1 July 2016, or as soon as possible.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dr. Phrudth Jaroenjittichai

National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization)

191 Siripanich Building, Huay Kaew Road

Muang District, Chiang Mai

50200 Thailand