Assistant Professor at Mizusawa VLBI Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)

Mizusawa VLBI Observatory of NAOJ has been playing a key role in promoting radio astronomy using VLBI arrays such as VERA (VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry), KaVA (KVN and VERA Array), EAVN (East Asian VLBI Network), and EHT (Event Horizon Telescope). The research topics being conducted at the observatory include, but not limited to, black holes and AGNs, early/late phases of stellar evolutions, the structure of the Milky Way Galaxy, and instrumental developments to enhance the capabilities of the VLBI arrays.

We invite applications for an assistant professor position who will contribute to stable science operation of EAVN and its upgrades as well as cutting-edge research using VLBI facilities related to the Mizusawa VLBI observatory. The successful candidate must have profound knowledge and experience in science operation of radio observatory as well as observational research using radio interferometry. The job description of the successful candidate is expected as follows:

1) EAVN operation and up-grade (approximately 50% FTE)  

As a point of contact in Japan for the regular operation of EAVN, the successful candidate will contribute to the stable operation of EAVN by coordinating schedules and observing modes with international partners as well as by providing appropriate user support as a member of User Support Team (UST), and so on. The candidate is also expected to promote global VLBI by contributing the array upgrade and performance evaluation in collaborations with potential new stations and partner institutes.

2) Individual research based on VLBI observations (about 35% FTE)

 The candidate will conduct cutting-edge research based on his/her own research interest by utilizing facilities related to the observatory such as EAVN, VERA, JVN, EHT, and so on. The candidate is also encouraged to promote new research collaboration and/or technological development in collaboration with the user community.

3) Contribution to education and other committee works (approximately 15% FTE)

The candidate will contribute to the observatory and the entire NAOJ through committee works and public outreach activities, and also contribute to graduate school education at SOKENDAI via lectures and supervising graduate students.