ERC Postdoctoral Fellow (Optical Engineer) in Astronomical Instrumentation

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, March 3, 2023
Archive Date: 
Friday, March 31, 2023
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
University of Exeter
Department Name: 
Astrophysics Group
Street Line 1: 
School of Physics and Astronomy
Street Line 2: 
Stocker Road
City: 
Exeter
State/Province: 
Devon
Zip/Postal: 
EX4 4QL
Country: 
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The University of Exeter wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Fellow with a background in optical engineering to work on astronomical instrumentation in the newly established Exeter Exoplanet Lab. The post is funded through the ERC Consolidator Grant project GAIA-BIFROST.

We are building the BIFROST instrument to enable short-wavelength, high-spectral resolution interferometry with the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer. The instrument will be used to carry out a large survey on binary and exoplanet-host stars and to advance our understanding of star and planet formation.

The instrument design features innovative solutions, for instance on ultra-low noise infrared detectors, photonics beam combination, and using telemetry to enable long coherent integrations. The Fellow will work on integrating optical, optomechanical, and photonics components of the instrument and on validating their performance.

The Fellow will join the Exeter BIFROST team and collaborate with international partners in the ASGARD consortium, including partners at Leuven, Australian National University, Nice and Michigan. Good teamwork and communication skills are required. We regard diversity as important asset within our team, and welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The post includes funding for computing & travel, and offers opportunities to become involved in other instrumentation or astrophysics projects. For instance, we are members of the CHARA consortium and have access to guaranteed time.

A Ph.D. degree in physics, engineering, or a related discipline is required. The initial appointment will be for 2 years, with a possibility for an extension depending on funding. A start date in mid-2023 would be ideal, but later start dates in 2023 will be considered as well.

Application materials should include a cover letter, a CV, a statement of relevant experience and interests, and the names and addresses of three referees who can be contacted for references. All applications need to be submitted before March 31st using the Exeter application portal (https://jobs.exeter.ac.uk/, reference number P87138).

Pay Compensation
Salary Min: 
$37500.00 (USD)
Salary Max: 
$47500.00 (USD)
Included Benefits: 

Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme, relocation package (if applicable), and health insurance through the National Health Service.

Application Deadline: 
Friday, March 31, 2023
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Prof Stefan Kraus
Title: 
Professor of Astrophysics
Institution/Company: 
University of Exeter
Department Name: 
Exeter Exoplanet Lab
Street Line 1: 
Stocker Road
City: 
Exeter
State/Province: 
Devon
Country: 
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Phone: 
+44 1392 724125
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Prof Stefan Kraus
Subject: 
ERC Postdoc Fellow (Optical Engineer) in Astronomical Instrumentation