Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Receivers for Radio Astronomy

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Receivers for Radio Astronomy

The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 2 years.

As part of a programme funded by the Newton Fund for international development, Oxford University is collaborating with several institutions in Mexico to convert a 32-m ex-telecoms antenna at Tulancingo, Mexico, to a radio telescope. This will provide the Mexican astronomical community with a state-of-the-art research facility, and will also facilitate development goals of skills and knowledge transfer and human capital development.

The successful candidate will work on the design and implementation of a cryogenic receiver system, including a digital backend, for the Tulancingo telescope, and will lead organising and delivering a set of training sessions for Mexican engineers and scientists in Oxford and in Mexico.  They will the lead the commissioning of the receiver in Mexico and the handing of the system over to the Mexican institutes for long-term operation.

Applicants should possess, or be very close to obtaining, a doctorate in physics, electrical engineering or a related field. Experience with working with cryogenic radio receivers is essential, as is familiarity with RF and microwave test equipment and techniques, and previous experience with FPGA systems.

Previous experience with satellite communications antennas, electromagnetic simulation and CAD software packages would be an advantage. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to independently manage their role within the overall project, including managing the receiver development budget, to communicate via papers, technical documents and presentations.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.