Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Astronomical Instrumentation and Optical Design for Extra-Solar Planet Characterisation

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Astronomical Instrumentation and Optical Design for Extra-Solar Planet Characterisation

Department of Physics, Denys Wilkinson Building, Keble Road, Oxford

Grade 7: £32,817 - £40,322 p.a.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in astronomical instrumentation for extra-solar planet characterisation.

The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 3 years, with the possibility of extension subject to successful funding renewal.

This project will be part of the R&D for ELT-PCS, the Planetary Camera and Spectrograph for the Extremely Large Telescope currently being constructed by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). In particular we are investigating the use of both lenslet-array and image-slicer based integral field spectrographs.

The successful candidate will setup a laboratory experiment to quantify and determine the limitations on the contrast ratio achievable with both types of integral field spectrographs.

Following the completion of the current R&D phase of ELT-PCS, the project will have kick-off and start its design and build phase, during which you will play a leading role in the optical design of the PCS integral-field spectrograph, and other instruments developed at Oxford.

Applicants should possess a doctorate in physics or a related field with experience in at least one of: (1) optical design; (2) mechanical design; (3) assembly; (4) integration; (5) testing of an astronomical instrumentation project.

Previous experience in the field of optical design and analysis will be an advantage.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate proven record of academic research including experimental work, and abilities of data analysis/scientific computing, as well as the capacity for independent work and initiating research in a lively group.

The postholder will have the opportunity to teach.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Dr Matthias Tecza ([email protected]).

You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application.

Only applications received before 12.00 midday on 3 January 2020 can be considered.