KAVLI INSTITUTE FOR ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS, PEKING UNIVERSITY & CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
The Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (KIAA) at Peking University (PKU), Beijing, China and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) invite applications for joint KIAA-CAS Postdoctoral Fellowships, starting on July 1/October 1, 2016.
KIAA is designed to be an international center of excellence to promote basic astrophysical research. KIAA's programs are focused in four major areas: (1) observational cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution; (2) interstellar medium, star formation, stellar and planet systems; (3) gravitational physics and high-energy phenomena; (4) and computational astrophysics (N-body, hydrodynamics, and MHD simulations). KIAA members have access to a variety of domestic and international observing facilities and computational resources (including a GPU cluster).
With English as its working language, KIAA is developing an intellectual environment for scientific exchange. In partnership with the National Astronomical Observatories and other astronomical centers and universities in China, KIAA is engaged in theoretical and observational initiatives, development and utilization of facilities, and training of students and postdocs. KIAA regularly sponsors thematic workshops, conferences, and special-topic training programs. KIAA is establishing exchange and visiting programs with other Kavli institutes and a network of universities and astronomy centers worldwide. The institute, in conjunction with the Department of Astronomy, has a total of about 25 faculty, 15 postdoctoral fellows, 50 graduate students, and 120 undergraduates. For more information, see http://kiaa.pku.edu.cn/
CAS is the largest national science institution in China. It includes several national observatories and institutes in astronomy and astrophysics, located in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Kunming and other cities. Recently an Astronomical Mega-Science Center of CAS (AMSCC) was established. It is running most of major astronomical facilities in China, including domestic ones such as LAMOST (optical), Tianma 65m radio telescope, and a soon-to-be-completed 500m FAST radio telescope, which will be very powerful for pulsar and 21cm work. It is also planning future facilities such as Chinese Antarctica Observatory, several space missions, and international facilities such as TMT and SKA.
Current recruitment is open to qualified applicants working in any area of astronomy and astrophysics, with preference for research closely related to the observational facilities hosted by CAS. The appointment is for a period of two years, renewable for a third year subject to a performance evaluation and the availability of funding. The KIAA-CAS Fellow is expected to spend first two years at KIAA and the third year, if renewable, at one of the CAS observatories and institutes.
RANK: Postdoctoral fellow.
SALARY: Depending on qualifications and experience.
START DATE: July 1/October 1 2016
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, planetary sciences or related fields completed or expected by effective date, a demonstrated record of research excellence, and potential to obtain external funding. PKU is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of any nationality are encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should submit the following by email to kiaafsc@pku.edu.cn: CV, brief summary of research experience, plan of future scientific goals, and at least three confidential letters of recommendation.
DEADLINE: Applications received prior to February 29, 2016, will receive full consideration.
CONTACT FOR INQUIRIES: Jie Yao
Email: yaojie@pku.edu.cn
Tel: +86 10 6275 6692
Fax: +86 10 6276 7900
http://kiaa.pku.edu.cn
