ESO is operating and upgrading the Atacama Large Millimeter /submillimeter Array (ALMA) together with the ALMA partners in East Asia and North America as well as the Joint ALMA Observatory located in Chile.

ALMA is currently undergoing a major upgrade, the Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU). Its main objective is to upgrade the full signal chain and increase the instantaneous spectral bandwidth by as much as a factor of four, while retaining full spectral resolution over the entire bandwidth. In this context, receiver upgrades, enhancements to the digital electronics, enhanced software for data reduction or novel calibration methods are planned.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and outstanding scientist with expertise in instrumentation for submillimetre astronomy or related fields. The ESO ALMA Project Scientist will support the development of the various upgrade development studies and projects of the ALMA Observatory which are an integral part of its long-term life. The successful applicant will be primarily responsible for the definition of the scientific capabilities of several ALMA upgrade projects and follow-up of the development and construction phases of such projects: a) supporting and nurturing their science goals, b) ensuring that the top-level requirements are fulfilled and c) that the operational scenarios are commensurate with the scientific needs and the constraints of the ALMA Observatory. The ESO ALMA Project Scientist is also expected to be involved in projects following the implementation of development studies.

This Project Scientist will interface with groups at external institutes or consortia performing the upgrades along with the ALMA Development Team in the ESO ALMA Support Centre (Directorate of Operations) and will be part of the ESO Project Scientists Team (Directorate for Science).