Taiwan Astronomical Research Alliance (TARA)

TARA is a new expansion of Taiwan Astronomical Observatory Alliance (TAOvA) and serves as a forerunner of National Observatory in Taiwan, with its current faculty members coming from various institutions. Current missions include science promotion, community service and training, operation and engineering supports for Lulin Observatory, the 2m Optical Telescope in Mexico, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), and Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT).

Job Opening for TARA Scientists

We have 3 openings for TARA scientists. Currently, we have 3 categories (as shown in the organization chart): operation, science, and engineering. Applicants can choose one of the categories. The successful applicants will carry out TARA missions and personal scientific research at a roughly 50%-50% split, however, the final time split is negotiable and depends on the job nature. They will be posted at different institutions in Taiwan, depending on the responsible faculty members. Appointments at postdoc or higher levels will be considered, with the salary commensurate with the NSTC regulations, and with the job track records of the successful applicants. The appointments will initially be for two years, with possible extension based on satisfactory performance and available fundings. Promotion to higher levels will also be considered based on excellent performance and available fundings.

Candidates with a PhD degree in any area of observational, instrumental, or theoretical astronomy are invited to apply. We will start reviewing applications on July 15th until all positions are filled.

Applicants should submit their applications to Miss Annie Tseng (annietseng@gm.astro.ncu.edu.tw) with the subject line “TARA Scientist Application – [Your Name]”. The  applications should include the following:

  • a cover page indicating the interested job category (1. Operation, 2. Science, or 3. Engineering) and a short summary
  • a curriculum vitae
  • a brief summary of past research or instrumentation experience
  • a future research plan
  • three letters of recommendation

Applicants can address their questions about the job openings to tara-hiring@googlegroups.com.