Physicist / Engineer (m/f/d), integration and testing of a new EPRV spectrograph, (Ref.358)

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg is one of the world-leading research institution with about 350 employees from 40 different countries. The institute is developing instruments for ground-based observatories as well as for space missions.                                                                                                                                                                           

We are looking for a

Physicist / Engineer  (m/f/d), integration and testing of a new EPRV spectrograph, (Ref.358)

with a focus on system engineering for the design and integration of astronomical instruments.

The main project for this position will be the Second Earth Spectrograph (2ES). 2ES is a planned high-precision RV spectrograph for the 2.2m telescope on La Silla (Chile) with the aim of reaching a radial velocity precision of 10cm/s to search for Earth analogues around solar-type stars. The main responsibilities of this position are the integration and testing of the spectrograph optics, the development, procurement, integration and/or testing of peripheral instrument parts such as the calibration unit, the thermal control system, the fiber-link or the telescope front-end. You will be supported by experts of an international consortium (incl. institutes from Denmark, the US, Germany and Chile). The posting is anticipated to begin on 1 September 2023. The duration of the position is three years.

The detailed tasks include:

·        Design of optics and opto-mechanics

·        Procurement of optics, negotiations with manufacturers

·        Procurement of mechanical parts, interaction with in-house workshop

·        Integration/testing of thermal control system

·        System integration and testing

·        Compiling documentation

Your profile:

·        A PhD in engineering, astronomy or physics. Applicants with a master's degree will be considered with equivalent experience.

·        System engineering skills in the context of astronomical instrumentation
         Good knowledge of optics, mechanics and measurement techniques

·        Experience with optical design software is beneficial

·        Experience with 3D CAD software is highly desired

·        Basic knowledge of vacuum systems is beneficial

·        Good working knowledge of spoken and written English

·        A basic knowledge of German for negotiations with companies is helpful

We offer stimulating work and contact with the latest technology in an international working environment. Remuneration is in accordance with TVöD, depending on qualifications and professional experience, up to level EG 13. Social benefits are granted in accordance with the regulations of the civil service. The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. If required, we support our employees in finding suitable childcare options. For questions concerning equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees at MPIA, please contact our equal opportunity officers ([email protected]). Regarding disability guidelines and regulations, please contact Ralf Launhardt ([email protected]).

More information about the MPIA can be found on the following web pages: http://www.mpia.de.

If you are interested, please apply by April 15, 2023 exclusively online at the following link:

ONLINE APPLICATION

Your application should include the following documents:

Curriculum vitae, overview of your previous experience, overview of knowledge and skills relevant to this job posting, work references, university transcripts, and the names and addresses of three references we can contact. For information on the technical requirements profile, please contact Dr. Julian Stuermer, E-mail: [email protected]