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Postdoctoral Position for Software Development for the SST Cameras and CTAO Related Science

Research / Academic
Amsterdam

The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy & GRAPPA at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) invites applications for a postdoctoral position for 4 years for software development for the small-sized telescope cameras (SSTCAMs) for the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO).

In addition, 30% of the time is set apart for CTAO-related research, preferentially in the field of Galactic cosmic-ray/gamma-ray sources.

What are you going to do?
The software developer/ scientist will be based in Amsterdam and will be a member of the international SSTCAM consortium. In the Netherlands SSTCAM developments will take place at the UvA, the University of Groningen and the NOVA submm laboratory in Groningen. Overall SSTCAM coordination is done by the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPI-K), Heidelberg.

The postdoc position main component involves development of the internal SSTCAM software. The developer will be part of the X-ray/gamma-ray research group of Dr. Jacco Vink in Amsterdam. The position also has a 30% component which should be devoted to gamma-ray/cosmic-ray studies. This could involve working on H.E.S.S. observations, or simulations of CTAO data. The position provides the prospect to be involved in the first CTAO-SST observational data analysis in the final year of the project.

Your profile

  • A PhD in physics/ astrophysics with preference for a background in gamma-ray astronomy;
  • Good software coding skills in C++ and Python with Linux/Unix experience;
  • Good coding practices, including version control (git/github);
  • Affinity with scientific instrumentation;
  • Good communication and organizational skills.


Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours a week, preferably starting in January 2025 (earlier is possible and can be negotiated). The appointment is for an initial period of 1 year, with the possibility for renewal for 3 more years, with the full tenure provided after a year of satisfactory performance.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be € 3,226 to € 5,090 (scale 10) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and stimulating 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 to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
  • multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
  • multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
  • 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.


About us
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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 for Astronomy (API) furthers research, teaching and public understanding of astronomy. It conducts astronomical research and trains astronomers from bachelor to postdoctoral level, aiming at world-leading levels and activities.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:


Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 01 September 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files including your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • cover letter; a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a list of publications;
  • a research statement, which describes past and current research and your scientific interests (up to 2 pages);
  • two letters of reference to be sent via email to j.vink@uva.nl before 1 September 2024 with subject line “CTAO postdoctoral application”.


A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of September.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

Work Hours:

38 hours per week

Address:

Science Park 904