Astronomy for development project-scientist

Vacancy number 14935

Hours (in fte) 0,8-1,0

External/ internal External, Internal

Location Leiden

Placed on 18 June 2024

Closing date 2 July 2024 14 more days to apply

Leiden Observatory invites applicants for the position of

Astronomy for Development Project-Scientist (0.8 - 1 FTE, 1 year)
IAU E-ROAD project manager

Description
Astronomy is a powerful tool for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, because of its involvement with inspirational research, cutting-edge technology and a cosmic perspective in education.

Leiden Observatory, the astronomy department of Leiden University, seeks a Project Scientist for the International Astronomical Union (IAU) European Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (E-ROAD), hosted by Leiden University, in partnership with the European Astronomical Society. The E-ROAD is one of a global network of 10 regional offices, coordinated by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development in Cape Town, South Africa. See https://www.astro4dev.org/ https://www.astro4dev.org/european-region/

The E-ROAD Project Scientist will have responsibility for initiating and coordinating Astronomy for Development projects throughout Europe and integrating them into the global IAU Astronomy for Development strategy. The position offers a unique opportunity for someone with a background in astronomy, broad international interests, good communicative skills and enthusiasm to innovate and mobilise the European astronomical community in helping to advance the UN SDGs.

Responsibilities of the Project Scientist include:

• implementing the Astronomy for Development strategy of the IAU European Regional Office of Astronomy for Development in Europe;
• supporting the global implementation of the IAU Strategic plan for Astronomy for Development;
• engaging with the European astronomical community and the global development and community;
• research and monitoring the progress of the technical and scientific aspects of E-ROAD projects, including budgets and quality and performance indicators;
• support to raise funds in support of Astronomy for Development projects;
• representing the E-ROAD at national, European and international events and conferences;
• developing research and development collaborations and communication with a range of relevant stakeholders;
• working closely with research-based approaches in science for development and submitting at least one research paper for publication during the first year.

Requirements:

• background in astronomy;
• a PhD, preferably in astronomy;
• experience in working with the astronomical and/or astronomy for development communities would be an advantage.

We offer
We offer a 0,8 - 1,0 fte position for 1-year. The salary range is € 3.226 - € 5.090 (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses, we have set up a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Leiden Observatory
Leiden Observatory, the astronomy department of Leiden University, is a world-leading research department of astronomy, astrophysics, astrochemistry and astrobiology. It is also involved in several projects that exploit astronomy for international development, including educational programmes in astronomy at the elementary and secondary school level.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science is a faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment and where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

More information
Do you have questions about this position? Please contact Dr. Pedro Russo, Astronomy & Society group coordinator, email: russo@strw.leidenuniv.nl.

You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science. For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

Apply now
Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to get to know you. You can apply until July 2, 2024 using the application button below.