Laser Interferometry Engineer / Physicist

Laser Interferometry Engineer / Physicist

Salary: £31,931 to £44,166 per annum. An additional allowance of up to £3000 is also available for this role.  

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh.

We currently have an opportunity for a laser interferometry engineer or physicist to join us at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) in Edinburgh. Within this role, you will play a leading role in developing the next generation of instrumentation for ground and space based astronomy! The majority of your time will be dedicated to the LISA project but you will also have opportunities to contribute more broadly to the wider activities at the UK ATC.

About this opportunity:

LISA is a flagship mission of the European Space Agency, and will be the world’s first space-based Gravitational Wave Observatory when it launches in the 2030s. The UK ATC is responsible for the development, design and production of the laser interferometer optical system that sits at the heart of LISA. This provides the state-of-the art laser metrology that enables LISA to observe gravitational waves produced by Super-Massive Black Hole mergers over the entire visible universe simultaneously.

As a core member of the UK ATC LISA team, you will play a leading role in designing, assembling, and testing the LISA laser interferometer optical system. You will have the opportunity to play a central and highly visible role in making one of the most ambitious, ground-breaking and exciting astronomy missions of the next decade a success.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design and analysis of optical components and systems.
• Specification and procurement of optical components and assemblies.
• Planning and carrying out optical tests and alignment procedures.
• Carrying out design studies, and contributing to proposals for new projects.

We are looking for someone with:

• A PhD in a relevant field at the time of appointment or have equivalent experience in engineering or physical sciences.
• Experience and expertise in the design, assembly, alignment, characterisation and operation of laser interferometry setups.
• Excellent communication skills with a wide range of project partners. You should be proficient in writing technical reports and presenting technical information to a broad range of collaborators.

Employee Benefits:

We are offering a permanent position that provides a whole host of benefits including; 30 days holiday (in addition to bank holidays), an excellent pension scheme, employee shopping/travel discounts, a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all, to help us achieve the highest possible standards in our work and organisation together. In this regard, we encourage applications from under-represented groups.

How to apply:

In your application, please provide your CV and a cover letter which showcases your skills and experience in relation to the criteria we have set for this role. Closing Date is 13th March 2022.