The Astronomical Institute (AIUB, https://www.aiub.unibe.ch) of the University of Bern in Switzerland invites applications for an assistant lecturer with tenure track.
Our institute
The AIUB is focusing its research on fundamental astronomy (including classical positional astronomy and celestial mechanics), space geodesy, and space debris search and monitoring. Towards these research aims we combine observational skills and theoretical work within two research groups focusing on space geodesy and optical astronomy. A strong emphasis is put on the operation and further development of the Swiss Optical Ground Station and Geodynamics Observatory (SwissOGS) in Zimmerwald. With currently six telescopes optical and laser observations to artificial satellites are performed at SwissOGS in 24/7 operations in the frame of various international collaborations. The unique combination of observational and theoretical work allows the AIUB to regularly participate or coordinate projects funded by ESA, Horizon 2020, and other sources.
Your profile
The AIUB is aiming to initiate an early succession for the position of the SwissOGS director, who will retire in 2025. We therefore are looking for candidates with strong expertise in optical astronomy (space debris objects or small bodies in the planetary system) or space geodesy (in particular satellite laser ranging) to build up a strong successor who will ensure a smooth transition of the directorship in 2025 and successfully lead the SwissOGS into the future. Candidates should have a visionary research plan and strong teaching interests.
Candidates must hold a PhD degree and must have demonstrated their excellence in their corresponding expertise. The anticipated research at AIUB should lead to a habilitation or equivalent qualification.
Your position
The new assistant lecturer with tenure track will lead the team at the SwissOGS in Zimmerwald, ensure smooth operations of the SwissOGS, and initiate independent research to further develop and exploit the opportunities offered by the SwissOGS. He/she will supervise Bachelor and Master theses, co-supervise Ph.D. theses, and teach courses in astronomy at the Bachelor level. Since at the University of Bern teaching at the Bachelor level is conducted in German, non-German speaking candidates are expected to acquire a working knowledge of German within the first two years of appointment.
It is expected that the successful candidate applies for third party funding. Assistant lecturers will be promoted to lecturers (permanent lecturer position) after successful evaluation (typically after 3-4 years). With the promotion the candidate will also become director of the SwissOGS. On a mid-term perspective, the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Bern gives lecturers the possibility to obtain the title of “Assoziierter Professor” (honorary professorship).
Your application
Please submit your application by email to [email protected] as a single PDF file including a short motivation letter, CV, list of publications and a two-page summary of past, current and future research. Please also indicate three references. The deadline for receipt of applications is August 1, 2021 . The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer and women are strongly encouraged to apply.