Postdoc/Research Scientist in Astrophysics/Instrumentation

The Astrophysics Institute (former I. Physikalisches Institut), Universität zu Köln (UzK), Germany, and the Max Planck Institut für Radioastronomie (MPIfR), Bonn, Germany, jointly operate the GREAT instrument on SOFIA. We advertise the position of an instrument scientist that will be involved in the continued development and operation of the GREAT instrument on SOFIA and will support the ongoing developments in submm astronomical instrumentation at UzK and MPIfR. GREAT supports about 40 observing flights with SOFIA each year and is presently supported for operation until end of 2023.

The position requires a PhD in physics, applied physics or electrical engineering. We expect that you have experience in high-frequency technology, optics and cryogenics, that you are familiar with quality assurance of system functionality and performance, and that you have a demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collegial with institute scientific and technical staff.

The position is available immediately. It is initially limited until 2022/09, and extension of the funding until the end of 2023 is under way. The salary is based on the German public sector scheme for PhD positions (TV-L 13). The activity under this position will be to a large fraction at MPIfR, Bonn. UzK is committed to Equal Opportunities and Diversity regulations. Women are expressly encouraged to apply and given priority in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from people with special needs or of equal status.