Professor, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

NAOJ has positions open for professors who will lead research and development for optical and infrared astronomy and instrumentation. We expect applications from scientists and engineering scientists who are willing to actively take on new challenges in this field.
1. Job Title: Professor, a few positions
2. Division and Location: The Advanced Technology Center (ATC), NAOJ, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan
3. Area of Expertise: Optical and infrared astronomy and instrumentation, and/or related fields
4. Job Description:
     The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has been playing a key role in the forefront of astronomical research worldwide, as demonstrated in the construction and operation of large-scale astronomical facilities such as the Subaru Telescope, ALMA, and TMT (Thirty-Meter Telescope) as well as in the development of space-based instruments such as Hinode Satellite for solar observation, in the effort to promote cutting-edge astronomy utilizing these advanced telescopes. The NAOJ Advanced Technology Center (ATC), the research center for advanced technology development to support these important astronomical programs, has been producing successful results in the development of various astronomical instruments.
     We invite applications for professor positions at ATC. A successful candidate for this position is expected to: 1) lead development for optical and infrared astronomy and instrumentation at ATC; 2) participate in the on-going development programs for TMT, and/or the Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) and/or Ultra-wide Laser Tomographic Imager and MOS with AO for Transcendent Exploration (ULTIMATE) for the Subaru Telescope; and 3) promote research activities that will impact related science fields as well. Another important responsibility of this position is building a strong development base for astronomy, which includes: making plans to upgrade the infrastructure of ATC for basic and state-of-the-art technologies including the scope of the next generation optical infrared space telescopes; encouraging exchanges among scientists, engineers and technicians at ATC; defining ATC’s strengths in optical and infrared development; and enhancing NAOJ's development capabilities. Fostering young scientists, engineers, and technicians, including PhD students, is also required as part of the responsibilities. After the employment, the successful candidate may be transferred from ATC to another project (possibly TMT or Subaru Telescope) depending on the nature of the work.
     As prerequisites for this position, applicants are expected to have a wide range of experience and skills in the field of optical and infrared astronomy and instrumentation, and to have leadership or system engineering ability to strongly promote astronomical research and development keeping pace with the demands of the times.
5. Terms of Appointment:
     The successful candidate should be able to start as soon as reasonably possible after the job offer has been accepted.
     The term of the contract will continue up to the end of the Japanese academic year in which the professor reaches NAOJ's mandatory retirement age of 65.
6. Minimum Academic Requirements:
(1) Ph.D. or equivalent
(2) Internationally recognized research results in the field of expertise
(3) Experience as a lead or key member of the development team for a large-scale astronomical project
7. Required Application Materials: (*To be prepared in English. Any other language will not be accepted.)
(1) Cover letter;
(2) Curriculum vitae;
(3) Publications list (Separate refereed and non-refereed papers. SPIE can be included in refereed papers.);
(4) Summary of your past research activities including international collaborations;
(5) Your plans to fulfill the responsibilities and aspirations for the position (including your research plan as needed);
(6) Your easily reachable contact information (e-mail and phone) and the e-mail address of your current supervisor or line manager.
(7) Three or more reference letters. Note that your current supervisor or line manager cannot serve as a reference. Please ask your references to send a letter as an e-mail attachment to the submission address shown in 9. (1). Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the letters arrive before the application deadline. (Reference letters should be written by faculty/staff with tenured positions, and no more than one reference letter will be accepted from each country.)
8. Application Deadline: 17:00 Friday, February 1, 2019 (Japan Standard Time)
9. Submission:
(1) E-mail your application documents to:
(E-mail address): apply-atc-opt-prof20190201_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
(Subject of e-mail): “Application for Professor Position of Optical and Infrared Astronomy and Instrumentation”.
(2) Contact for Inquiries:
(E-mail address): takami.hideki_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
Prof. Hideki Takami, Director of Engineering, NAOJ
10. Notes for Application:
• Convert each application document (from 7.(1) through 7.(6) above) into a separate PDF file and attach them to your e-mail.
• Make PDF files with appropriate resolution so that they won’t be too large (file size: up to 10 MB)
• Upon receipt of your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. If you do not receive any response from NAOJ within 3 working days, please contact:
(E-mail address): apply-atc-opt-prof20190201_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
• Candidates selected in the final short list may be interviewed by the selection committee either via internet or face-to-face. The expense for travel to the interview will not be covered by NAOJ.
• If the selection committee deems that there is no qualified candidate for this position, it is possible no one will be selected.