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Project Assistant Professor, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) ALMA Project
Job Summary
Category
Visiting and Non-tenure Faculty Positions
Institution
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Department
ALMA Project, NAOJ
Number of Positions Available
1
Duration
5 Years
Could the duration be extended?
No
Work Arrangement
In-Person
In-Person Location(s)
Mitaka, Tokyo
Japan
Job Description
Job Description:
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has been playing a leading role at the forefront of global astronomical research. ALMA is the largest (sub)mm-wave on-ground telescope and has been producing ground-breaking science since it became operative in 2011. In order to keep its high scientific productivity, ALMA will be upgraded towards addressing the updated scientific goals identified in the ALMA Development Roadmap.
We invite applications for a Project Assistant Professor position based at the NAOJ Headquarters in Mitaka. The primary role of this position is to lead the upgrade of the receiver optical subsystem in the project team developing new wideband receivers. This effort is a critical element of the Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade, which is the top priority item in the ALMA Development Roadmap. The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Lead the upgrade of the receiver optical subsystem in accordance with the project phases (preliminary design, critical design, manufacturing), collaborating with other subsystems to contribute to the design and formulation of the receiver system specifications;
- Drive the development of optical and waveguide components for integration into the ALMA receiver cartridges; and
- Foster collaboration with domestic and international ALMA partners on receiver optics and establish joint development frameworks as needed.
To fulfill the responsibility, the applicant is expected to have technical knowledge of optics in astronomical instrumentation. As part of this work, the applicant is expected to actively publish journal papers, attend international conferences, and prepare other technical and scientific documentation. English proficiency is also necessary since the successful candidate will work in English-speaking teams in NAOJ and also in collaboration with the ALMA partners in Chile, Europe, North America, Taiwan, and South Korea.
（Scope of possible changes） No changes
Compensation and Benefits
Included Benefits
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 is for five (5) years, including the probation period of six (6) months. Annual performance review will be conducted. In case that the successful candidate was an NINS employee after 2013 April 1, the term may be set so that the total accumulated terms of the employment does not exceed ten (10) years.
(Renewal of Contract) Contract will not be renewed.
Labor Conditions:
(1) Work Type and Work Hours:
The Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work shall be applied. (Standard work hours: 38.75 hrs/week, from 8:30 to 17:15 with an hour intermission)
(2) Holidays:
Saturdays and Sundays, National Holidays, New Year holidays (December 29th - January 3rd), Paid days off (annual leave, refreshment leave, etc.)
(3) Social Insurances:
MEXT Mutual Aid Association (health insurance), Employees' Pension Insurance, Employment Insurance, Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance
(4) Remuneration:
Salary: The amount of annual salary shall be determined based on the school career and job experiences in accordance with the NINS regulations, equivalent to an assistant professor position. The payment will be made monthly in 12 equivalents.
Allowances: Commuting expenses (up to 55,000 JPY per month) will be provided. Retirement allowances are not provided.
Salary Increase: Once a year in accordance with the performance evaluation.
(5) Others:
- Day-care center for children (from 57 days old). *Availability depends on the situation. Childcare staff does not provide English support.
- Smoking is prohibited on the premises excluding designated outdoor smoking areas.
- Travel and relocation costs to NAOJ will be covered, subject to the travel regulations of NINS (details must be arranged with the administration office).
Remarks:
• The NAOJ Advisory Committee for Research and Management will make the final decision for the appointment.
• Policy for Equal Employment Opportunity: Abiding by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act for Men and Women, NAOJ is committed to the realization of a society with gender equality. If two candidates are deemed equal in their performance evaluation, NAOJ will take positive action to employ women. For details, see
https://www2.nao.ac.jp/~open-info/gender-equality/en/.
• If you have taken a leave(s) such as for maternity, child care, and/or family care, please indicate it in your curriculum vitae. We will take it into account when assessing your performance.
• Information submitted in your application documents will not be used for any purpose other than the selection process and for contacting you with necessary notices in connection with the selection. Once the selection process is complete, we will securely dispose of all application documents and personal information, except for those submitted by the successful candidate.
Recruiting Institution:
Inter-University Research Institute Corporation, National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)
Application Details
Application Instructions
When applying, please be sure to read the following links
https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/contents/job-vacancy/job-20250127-alma.pdf
Qualification Requirements:
(1) PhD degree or equivalent in astronomy or related field;
(2) Knowledge of optics in astronomical instrumentation;
(3) Capability to join, discuss and collaborate in English;
(4) Willingness to collaborate with the other members of ALMA Project of NAOJ and those in the ALMA partners; and
(5) Experience in the development of optical systems and components in astronomical instruments is preferred.
Required Application Materials: (*To be prepared in English)
(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 activities related to this position;
(5) Your plans to fulfill the responsibilities and aspirations for the position;
(6) Names, affiliations, and contact information of two persons who can provide reference information on the applicant;
(7) Your address (e-mail and phone) for prompt contact and the email address of your current supervisor or line manager.
Closing Date for Application: 2025-03-31, 12:00 (noon) (Japan Standard Time)
Application Instructions:
How to Submit an Application:
Applicants are required to apply via the NAOJ Nextcloud on the web.
(1) Please access the following URL for registration:
URL: https://forms.office.com/r/svkbufPWHZ
(2) After you submit registration form, you will receive an email showing the URL for
uploading your application documents
(3) Please upload the application documents (from 7. (1) through (7) above) via the URL. These
files must be in PDF format (max 50MB each, 100MB in total, at most 10 files).
Contacts:
(1) If you have any question related to the job description, contact;
E-mail address: misato.fukagawa_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
Misato Fukagawa, NAOJ ALMA Project Manager, NAOJ
Subject of e-mail: “Question on JD of Project Assistant Professor in NAOJ ALMA Project”
(2) If you have any question related to the other items, contact,
E-mail address: job16-naoj-pap_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
Subject of e-mail: “Question on Application for Project Assistant Professor in NAOJ ALMA Project”
Notes for Applications:
(1) Candidates selected in the final short list may be interviewed by the selection committee either via the internet or face-to-face. The expense for the interview will not be covered by NAOJ.
(2) If the selection committee determines that there are no qualified candidates for this position, this announcement may be closed without any selections.
https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/contents/job-vacancy/job-20250127-alma.pdf
Qualification Requirements:
(1) PhD degree or equivalent in astronomy or related field;
(2) Knowledge of optics in astronomical instrumentation;
(3) Capability to join, discuss and collaborate in English;
(4) Willingness to collaborate with the other members of ALMA Project of NAOJ and those in the ALMA partners; and
(5) Experience in the development of optical systems and components in astronomical instruments is preferred.
Required Application Materials: (*To be prepared in English)
(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 activities related to this position;
(5) Your plans to fulfill the responsibilities and aspirations for the position;
(6) Names, affiliations, and contact information of two persons who can provide reference information on the applicant;
(7) Your address (e-mail and phone) for prompt contact and the email address of your current supervisor or line manager.
Closing Date for Application: 2025-03-31, 12:00 (noon) (Japan Standard Time)
Application Instructions:
How to Submit an Application:
Applicants are required to apply via the NAOJ Nextcloud on the web.
(1) Please access the following URL for registration:
URL: https://forms.office.com/r/svkbufPWHZ
(2) After you submit registration form, you will receive an email showing the URL for
uploading your application documents
(3) Please upload the application documents (from 7. (1) through (7) above) via the URL. These
files must be in PDF format (max 50MB each, 100MB in total, at most 10 files).
Contacts:
(1) If you have any question related to the job description, contact;
E-mail address: misato.fukagawa_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
Misato Fukagawa, NAOJ ALMA Project Manager, NAOJ
Subject of e-mail: “Question on JD of Project Assistant Professor in NAOJ ALMA Project”
(2) If you have any question related to the other items, contact,
E-mail address: job16-naoj-pap_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)
Subject of e-mail: “Question on Application for Project Assistant Professor in NAOJ ALMA Project”
Notes for Applications:
(1) Candidates selected in the final short list may be interviewed by the selection committee either via the internet or face-to-face. The expense for the interview will not be covered by NAOJ.
(2) If the selection committee determines that there are no qualified candidates for this position, this announcement may be closed without any selections.
Link to Online Application
Publication Start Date
2025 Feb 04
Application Deadline
2025 Mar 31