The Astrophysics Sector (http://www.sissa.it/ap) of the International School for Advanced Studies of Trieste (Italy) expects to have an opening for up to three research associate (postdoc) positions starting in Fall 2011. The positions are for two years (formally 1+1 but with renewal based only on reasonable scientific performance) and can be possibly extended for a further third year.
The SISSA Astrophysics Sector consists of a faculty of nine permanent members and two contract researchers. There are currently eleven postdocs and eighteen graduate students (http://www.sissa.it/ap/people.html).
The research areas covered by our group include: Analysis and interpretation of cosmic microwave background and sub-mm surveys (Planck and Herschel), large scale structure and cluster physics, galaxies, dark matter, galactic and extragalactic black holes, high energy astrophysics, relativistic astrophysics, early universe physics and gravitation theory. We welcome applications from all candidates whose research interests complement or enhance those of our group.
SISSA is an international and multidisciplinary PhD school, unique in Italy, pursuing research in the fields of Physics, Mathematics and Biophysical Sciences (http://www.sissa.it). SISSA has recently moved to a new building a few kilometres just outside Trieste on the hillside overlooking the city and Gulf of Trieste, and located close by the main scientific institutions of the area (ICTP, Trieste University and the Trieste Observatory). Trieste is situated in the north east of Italy, 130 km to the east of Venice and close to Slovenia, Austria and Croatia.
The selected candidates are expected to take part in the scientific activity of the Sector and to carry out their own independent research. There are no compulsory teaching duties. The salary covers the cost of living in Trieste, which is less expensive than other big Italian cities like Milan and Rome, and we offer funding for travel and inviting collaborators. SISSA also offers good local computer facilities and access to regional supercomputing resources. All of our scientific activity is carried out in English (as is the administrative support) and we provide local assistance for all members: a housing office (http://www.sissa.it/main/?p=A7_B4), the Welcome Office (http://www.welcomeoffice.trieste.it), Italian classes, and a nursery for children of SISSA members (http://www.sissa.it/ap/joinourgroup.html).
Applicants should register with https://academicjobsonline.org/ and then submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a research statement giving a brief description of past research and future plans, and provide the names and email addresses of two referees who we will automatically contact. The application form is found at http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/631
For further information or problems with the submitting your application, you can contact Dr. Lorena Bencina via email: bencina[at]sissa.it
Completed applications should be received no later than January 31, 2011.