Postdoctoral Researcher for the Development of the HISPEC Spectrometers

The Infrared Laboratory at UCLA is looking for a qualified person to fill an experimental Postdoctoral Scholar position.  A qualified candidate should have received a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field and have a demonstrated background in astronomical instrumentation.

The Postdoctoral position involves supporting the development of the HISPEC spectrometers.  The HISPEC instrument is being developed for the W.M. Keck Observatory and uses adaptive optics to feed two cryogenic R~100k spectrometers in the near infrared via single-mode fibers.  This instrument is being designed to support spectroscopy of transiting and non-transiting exoplanets in close orbits, direct high-contrast detection and spectroscopy of spatially separated substellar companions, and exoplanet dynamical mass and orbit measurements using precision radial velocity monitoring calibrated with an ultra-stable laser frequency comb.

We seek applicants with laboratory, technical, and software expertise to support the design and full-scale development of the backend spectrometers.  Experience in astronomical or optical instrument development, alignment, and/or testing is required.  Experience with and ability to work with the science detector and its readout electronics, including preamplifier design, electronics testing, and performance tuning, are highly preferred.  The responsibilities of this position will include instrument design, assembly, and testing, production of design documentation, participation in formal reviews, writing and publishing results in scientific journals, and oral presentations of results. This work will be performed under the guidance of Prof. Michael Fitzgerald in the UCLA Physics and Astronomy Department. Interested applicants should review the full job description, and submit a letter of interest, a current CV, and two letters of reference via https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF07303.