Asst/Assoc Research Professional in RF Engineering

The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) invites applications for a research professional specializing in radio-frequency (RF) engineering to lead development of ground-breaking radio-astronomy instruments for deployment in remote locations on Earth and in space.  The anticipated start date is January 2019. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position renewable on an annual basis contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of resources, and the needs of the university.

The successful applicant will join a team of ASU faculty, staff, and students, as well as partners at other institutions, to design, simulate, fabricate, deploy, and test electrical components, equipment, and systems.  Initial efforts will be focused on developing a next-generation, meter-wave radio receiver that meets the unique requirements for the Experiment to Detect the Global EoR Signature (EDGES), which recently detected evidence of early stars existing over 13.5 billion years ago.   Further efforts will focus on adapting radio instrumentation to space flight applications, including for use in small satellites such as cubesats.  These projects will involve miniaturizing technology, reducing mass, volume, and power requirements, minimizing thermal sensitivity and developing suitable thermal controls, and adopting flight-qualified designs and components.  The successful applicant will have the opportunity to advance Vector Network Analyzer measurement accuracy through new methods and/or instrument designs and to develop digital signal processing systems using FPGAs and RFSoCs.  Opportunities will exist to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.  Opportunities for travel to Australia will likely be available, along with travel to NASA centers and national conferences.

Essential functions of the position:  The successful candidate will support the development of new radio astronomy instruments by collaborating with faculty and students to design, implement, test and deploy new radio-frequency and/or signal processing systems.  The successful candidate will participate in team meetings, write reports, and contribute to research papers and proposals.

The minimum qualifications include:  (1) Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in electrical engineering, physics, or related field, (2) demonstrated experience with radio-frequency electronics and/or prior record of research accomplishment, and (3) demonstrated effective communication within teams.

The desired qualifications include a demonstrated track record of accomplishment or strong potential for (1) developing novel or specialized solutions to engineering problems, (2) working with engineering tools, including software for electromagnetic modeling, design of mechanical and thermal systems, and development of digital signal processing systems, (3) advancing technology readiness levels of space flight hardware, (4) managing projects and/or providing systems engineering, (5) deploying and/or operating remote equipment, (6) mentoring students and/or early-career professionals, (7) coordinating a small team, (8) successfully conducting self-directed work, and (9) demonstrated experience serving a diverse student and/or faculty population.

Established in 2006, SESE is the focal point of astrophysics at Arizona State University, one of the most dynamic and fastest growing institutions of higher learning in the United States.  An essential part of SESE's mission is to make new discoveries by promoting interdisciplinary science and by integrating science and engineering. SESE faculty and their research groups benefit from a variety of state-of-the-art facilities including high performance computing, access to the 2x8.4m Large Binocular Telescope, 6.5m MMT telescope, 6.5m Magellan telescopes and a host of 2m-class telescopes owned and operated by the State of Arizona. ASU is also a founding member in the Giant Magellan Telescope and a partner in the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA). Additional resources are available.  We encourage broad, transdisciplinary collaborations between SESE astronomers, planetary scientists, Earth scientists, and engineers (see: https://sese.asu.edu).

To apply, please submit the following materials as a single PDF file: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant’s experience and that references the Job number 12628;  2) a current detailed resume or CV; and 3) the names, email addresses, institutions, titles, and telephone numbers of three references.  Email the PDF of these application materials to Prof. Judd Bowman, [email protected].

Initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is December 10, 2018; if not filled, reviews will continue weekly until search is closed. A background check is required for employment.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by the law.

http://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401

 http://www.asu.edu/titleIX/