Scientific ICT Developers in Data- and Compute-Intensive Science

The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) invites applications for up to 2 permanent positions in data- and compute-intensive astrophysics/astronomy.

This search is part of a team hire. The team’s goal is to raise the overall level of research and teaching in compute- and data-intensive astronomy in the institute and its partners. To this end, the team will develop its own excellent programme, and contribute its expertise to collaboration with colleagues, leading to joint research, teaching, and software development.

We are looking for creative and enthusiastic colleagues to participate in, and help advance, research carried out at API in the subject areas of state-of-the-art simulation techniques, advanced statistics, novel modelling approaches, and integrated software development. The successful candidate will initiate, independently execute, and publish scientific research in consultation with the scientific staff at API.

We are particularly interested in applicants applying advanced techniques to large experimental or observational data sets to answer fundamental research questions in any of APIs main research areas and strengthen the long-term research directions in data- and compute-intensive science. Our research interests include gravitational-wave and multi-messenger astrophysics, radio astronomy, high-energy physics, stellar dynamics, accretion disks, stellar evolution, planet formation, spectroscopy of stellar and planetary atmospheres and imaging analysis. The candidate also can be embedded in the vibrant community of the UvA Data Science Center.

What you are going to do
You are expected:

• to be active in research in the area of data- and compute-intensive science related to the astronomical interests of API faculty;
• to create, design, develop, and build data- and compute-intensive tools using various techniques to address questions related to scientific interests of API faculty;
• to (co-)write research proposals;
• to propose improvements for processes and possible enhancements;
• to advise and support staff during use and application of the designed tools;
• to actively contribute to departmental duties.

Depending on the background and expertise of the candidate, there is a possibility for a more senior level position in which the candidate would also be expected:

• to be a pioneer in new techniques and introduce colleagues to the application of such techniques;
• to be able to validate functionalities and specifications;
• to coordinate and coach colleagues.

The initial appointment is for 12 months, based on performance indicators, a permanent contract will be offered after a positive evaluation.

The starting salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel; depending on experience and qualifications it will fall either in scale 10 or 11. It will range from a minimum €3,226 to €5,929 based on full-time employment.

This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• Multiple courses on topics such as leadership;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• Partly paid parental leave;
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

The Faculty of Science at the UvA has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research, or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Anton Pannekoek Institute has a long tradition of excellence in astronomical research. Scientists at the institute have access to a wide variety of telescopes on the ground and in space, including ESO, ESA, SRON (the Dutch Space Research Organization (http://www.sron.nl), and ASTRON (http://www.astron.nl) facilities. Science Park, where API is located, also hosts SURF, the Dutch national High Performance Computing centre with fast-track access possibilities. API astronomers can apply to national funding lines at the Dutch research organization NWO, and to European funding lines like the ERC grants and the Horizon Europe programs and networks. API is part of the Dutch Top Research School NOVA (http://www.nova-astronomy.nl).

The Anton Pannekoek Institute and the faculty of science at the university of Amsterdam are committed to creating a safe working environment, diversity, inclusion, and equity; we particularly encourage applicants from groups that are underrepresented in the exact sciences, and who can enhance the diversity of backgrounds and ideas in our department.