Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Reg. Nr. 90000362426, address: Inženieru iela 101, Ventspils) announces application for the position of Leading guest researcher (Senior Research Scientist (VLBI)) at Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre.

Recruitment Period

Open date: 9 March 2020

Application submission deadline: 15 April 2020 at 23:59pm (CET)

Job Description

Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Ventspils, Latvia (VIRAC of the VUAS) invites applications for a fixed-term position of a Leading guest researcher (senior research scientist (VLBI)) in VLBI science/radio astronomy.

The successful candidate is expected to conduct independent research in their field of expertise related to high-resolution radio astronomy. The candidate is expected to apply for national and European funding with the ultimate goal to establish the own research group at VIRAC. The candidate will also be given an opportunity to engage in other activities of the institute, including supervision of PhD and master students, public outreach activity, etc.

Position requirements

A successful candidate is expected to have:

– PhD degree or equivalent in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related discipline;

– proven international research experience;

– demonstrated ability for ground-breaking research with VLBI;

– a strong publication record;

– the potential to secure external funding;

– fluent written and oral communication skills in English.

The successful candidate will be given:

– fixed term contract until November 30th, 2023 (as defined by the funding source, the project LATSPACE 1.1.1.5/18/A/019, funded by the ERAF);

– salary of 3 600 EUR monthly on average before tax (approx. 2 450 EUR net);

– relocation bonuses are negotiable;

– business travel and research budget of 5000 EUR annually;

– health insurance coverage.

Astronomy in VIRAC

VIRAC is a research institute with ~30 scientific employees. VIRAC is a full member of the following networks: ILT (International LOFAR telescope), EVN (European VLBI network). VIRAC represents Latvia as a member in the Joint Institute for VLBI – European Research Infrastructure Consortium (JIV-ERIC). Latvia is a European Space Agency (ESA) European Cooperating State. Major observational facilities of the institute include the recently launched LOFAR station and two radio telescopes, RT-16 and RT-32, operating at centimeter and decimeter wavelengths in single-dish and VLBI modes.

VIRAC is located in Ventspils, a family-friendly municipality with various possibilities both for families and individuals. It is a place with high standards of living and reasonable living costs, located on the coast of Baltic Sea three hours driving away from the capital of Latvia Riga and the Riga International Airport.

More information about Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre can be found at the official website: http://arhivs.vsrc.lv/

Information about Ventspils University of Applied Sciences: https://venta.lv/en/

City of Ventspils website: https://www.visitventspils.com/en/start/



Application process

Applications, including:

– motivation letter;

– detailed curriculum vitae;

– description of current research and research plans, as well as other activities and accomplishments;

– list of representative publications

should be sent directly to the VUAS Personnel Department – personals@venta.lv.

The applicant must arrange at least two letters of reference. The letters should be sent directly by the referees to the above address.

All documents should be in English. All applications received before 23:59 (CET) of 15 April 2020 will receive full consideration.

VUAS is committed to employment equality as set in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and welcomes applications from any qualified candidate, who fulfils the requirements specified in the announcement.

On the basis of Section 8, Paragraph 1 of the Privacy Data Protection for Natural Persons Law, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences informs that the personal data specified in the documents of your application will be processed to ensure the selection process and the manager of the above-mentioned personal data processing is Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.