Associate Senior University Lecturer in Astronomy, oriented towards observations and characterization of exoplanets - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Research work at Lund Observatory has as a common focus the formation and evolution of the Milky Way and its constituents. Our work combines theory with observations and science support for space missions. Data from ESA's Gaia satellite gives information about the Milky Way and will find some several thousand exoplanetary systems. Astronomers in Lund are involved in programmes for processing and exploitation of Gaia data, and for the acquisition of complementary data from ground-based telescopes (e.g., Gaia-ESO Survey). Theoretical work concerns the formation and dynamics of exoplanetary systems, the growth of black holes, and the progenitors of the brightest explosions in the Universe (supernovae and gamma-ray bursts). Observational as well as theoretical work benefits from the participation in the development of next-generation instrumentation (e.g., 4MOST and PLATO) and working on measuring astrophysically interesting atomic data in the Edlén laboratory.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, 6 years, according to chapter 4, section12a of the Higher Education Ordinance, with the opportunity to promotion to Senior Lecturer.

Job description
Employment as Associate Senior Lecturer is a career development position, where the holder is to be given the opportunity to develop his or her independence as a researcher and educator.

The Department of Astronomy and Theoretical Physics at Lund University wishes to hire an Associate Senior Lecturer in observational studies of exoplanets. The Associate Senior Lecturer will conduct research on the detection of exoplanets, studies of exoplanet atmospheres or in the characterization of exoplanet host stars, with the purpose of understanding the planetary system.

The work tasks are primarily research and teaching on undergraduate and graduate levels. The employment includes teaching equivalent to 10-30% of a full-time, calculated over the entire term of employment. The content of the work assignments, as well as the distribution and scope of research and teaching, may change during the term of employment.

The successful candidate is expected to play a key role in building up active research within the specified field and neighbouring research areas. This also involves applying for external funding and developing cooperation with other university units and other governmental organisations, involved in this type of research.

The teaching comprises courses on all levels within the field, as well as supervision of Bachelor, Master and PhD students.

Eligibility
A person who holds a PhD or has the corresponding research expertise shall be qualified for appointment as an Associate Senior Lecturer. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their degree or have obtained corresponding expertise no more than five years before the last date for applications. A person who has obtained a PhD or the equivalent expertise earlier may be eligible if there are special grounds (see Chapter 4 Section 4 HEO).

The applicant must have obtained a doctorate in astronomy, physics or equivalent.

For academic staff at Lund University it is a general qualification requirement to be suited for the post as well as to have the general ability required to complete the duties of the post well.

Basis of Assessment
A good ability to develop and carry out high-quality research activities, and teaching skill. The main selection criteria for the position are scientific and pedagogic skills, with an emphasis on scientific skills. 

The applicant must have a well-documented background of research in observations of exoplanets.

The applicant must have experience of either detection of exoplanets, or characterization of exoplanet atmospheres, or observations of exoplanets host stars with the purpose of understanding the planetary system. Other observational approaches to exoplanets are also possible. It is a merit to have experience of more than one observational method.

Experience as successful Principal Investigator, or equivalent, on applications for observation time on telescopes on the ground or in space is a requirement. Other merits to be considered are roles with responsibility for instrument building or definition of satellites or leading roles in major surveys.

Attention will also be given to documented good skills in attracting external funding. A clear potential for successfully applying for excellence grants, for example in the form of a grant from the European Research Council (ERC), is a requirement.

Emphasis will also be put on the extent to which the applicant can contribute to the development of the education and establishment of a new and active research profile at the Department. Documented experience of collaboration is also of great importance. Relevant post-doctoral experience is a merit, as well as experience of planning, developing and implementing teaching.

Particular importance will be placed on the applicant´s independent research plan. This plan should indicate how the applicant´s research can strengthen the research profile of the Department and also indicate the research environments which the applicant could potentially form collaborations with.

The employee will supervise students, doctoral students and postdocs. We put great value in the ability and interest to guide and develop the potential of these.

Very good skills in English, both written and spoken, is a requirement for the position.

When making the appointment, consideration will be given to the Lund University Appointment Rules.

Promotion
An Associate Senior Lecturer is to be promoted, on application, to employment as a Senior Lecturer on an indefinite-term contract if he or she has the qualifications required for the post and is assessed to be suitable in accordance with the qualification requirements and assessment criteria established by the Faculty of Science. An Associate Senior Lecturer may only apply for promotion once.

Qualification requirements and assessment criteria for promotion to a permanent position as Senior Lecturer:

• Well documented research expertise is important for the discipline. The following criteria will be applied:

           - High national and international standing as a researcher 
           - High-quality publications in international research journals.
           - Independent research profile.
           - Qualifications corresponding to those of a reader.
           - Participation in scholarly conferences or workshops.
           - Research funding from national or international funding bodies.

• Well documented teaching expertise. The following criteria will be applied:

           - Good subject knowledge and documented experience of teaching at different levels of higher education.
           - Documented ability to develop and renew courses and teaching methods.
           - Documented ability to lead and organise education.
           - Documented ability to supervise Master´s and PhD students.
           - Five weeks´training in teaching and learning in higher education or the equivalent.

• An ability to interact with wider society and provide public information on current research and development.
• An ability to work as a leader in higher education, including leading research projects and participating in decision-making bodies at university, faculty or department level.

An application for promotion to a permanent position as Senior Lecturer is to be submitted to the faculty at the latest 6 months before the appointment as Associate Senior Lecturer ends. The application for promotion is to be judged by the teacher’s appointment board after acquisition of the opinion of at least two experts on the subject.

Design and content of the application 
The application should be formulated according to the Faculty of Sciences instructions for applications for an academic position.