ALMA provides the world-wide astronomical community with transformational capabilities to study the origin of galaxies, stars, and planets. ALMA is one of the most scientifically productive observatories in the world, with more than 5,000 peer-reviewed publications to date. The JAO is offering a postdoctoral fellowship position to join the ALMA science operations group in Santiago, Chile. ALMA Postdoctoral Fellows will be appointed for a period of three years and will spend 50% of their time dedicated to their personal scientific research. The remaining time will be spent in support of ALMA operations. The goal of these fellowships is to offer scientists the opportunity to enhance their research programs through involvement in science activities and interactions with experienced staff at the world's foremost observatory for submillimeter astronomy.

ALMA Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to lead a vigorous research program in any area related to the use of ALMA. Fellows will also actively participate in and contribute to the science activities of the JAO. Fellows have the opportunity to collaborate with the rapidly growing Chilean astronomical community as well as with astronomers from other international observatories located in Chile. The ALMA Postdoctoral Fellows will be provided with resources for science trips and will be encouraged to visit one or more of the ALMA Regional Centers (ARCs) for science collaborations. The JAO runs a visitor program through which science collaborators can be invited to work in Santiago.

The ALMA Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to support ALMA science operations. Successful candidates will act as Astronomers on Duty, helping operate the telescope from the ALMA Operations Support Facility (OSF) and the Santiago control room extension. A fraction of their time can be spent on technical duties such as data processing, participation in the ALMA review process as technical experts, software testing, and development of new capabilities for the array, among other technical activities necessary for the successful operations of the facility. At present, there are over 40 scientists with a wide range of research interests working at ALMA in Santiago. The JAO also hosts regular visits from scientists from the ARCs in Europe, North America and East Asia. The ALMA office is located adjacent to ESO's Santiago office, and the offices of AUI/NRAO and NAOJ are located nearby.