A postdoctoral position up to 2 yr is available in the Netherlands to support the characterization and calibration of the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) aboard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) as well support the Dutch community in the use of MIRI. The position is financed by the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy (NOVA).
MIRI is one of JWST's four science instruments, offering imaging, coronagraphy, and low and medium resolution spectroscopy. The main NOVA contribution to MIRI is in the medium resolution IFU spectrometer, including not only hardware but also calibration and data analysis software, as well as support for the in-flight commissioning and characterization of the instrument.
As member of the MIRI/NL team the successful applicant will be directly involved in the continued MIRI in-flight characterization and science calibration. This will also involve further development of relevant algorithms and end-user software tools. In addition, the candidate is expected to support the Dutch astronomy community in using MIRI. Some fraction of time will be available for independent astronomical research through MIRI GTO and/or GO programs.
The position requires a PhD in astronomy or related field. Relevant experience with infrared spectroscopy, astronomical data processing and programming in Python or other scripting languages is strongly desired, experience with (space) instrumentation would be an asset.
The work location can be either at Leiden Observatory or at the Kapteyn Institute at the University of Groningen. Regular work visits between Groningen-Leiden and other MIRI partners within Europe and the US will be part of the work. The position can start at any time, but no later than October 1 2023.
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief statement of instrumentation and research experience and interests, and provide names of names of two persons willing to serve as referees. Please send all materials to . Review of applications will start on March 30 2023.