Adaptive Optics (AO) engineer (f/m/d)

The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) is one of the leading astrophysical research institutions worldwide with 300 staff members from 40 different countries. MPIA has two big science departments doing research on planet & star formation and galaxies & cosmology. In addition, MPIA has a strong 50-year heritage in instrumentation with a strong technical department behind.

MPIA is looking for an Adaptive Optics (AO) engineer (f/m/d) with focus on the development and test of the AO algorithms for the SCAO system.

METIS is one of the three first instruments for the European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), Europe’s next-generation ground-based telescope for optical and infrared wavelengths which is currently under construction at the ESO site at Cerro Armazones in Chile.

METIS is the Mid-infrared Imager and Spectrograph for the ELT. The main METIS science goals are the detection and characterization of exoplanets and the investigation of proto-planetary disks and the formation of planets.

METIS is built by a European consortium under the lead of the PI institute NOVA. The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) is the second largest consortium partner: it is responsible for the IMAGER and the Single-Conjugate Adaptive Optics (SCAO) subsystems.

The Single-Conjugate Adaptive Optics (SCAO) corrects atmospheric distortions and is thus essential for diffraction-limited observations with METIS.
It consists of a wavefront sensor, the control software, and the Real Time Computer (RTC). The wavefront sensor measures the disturbed incoming wavefront. Its signal is processed by the Real Time Computer, which, in turn, sends control signals to the deformable ELT mirror M4 and the mirror M5 for tip/tilt control.

METIS is currently in the Final Design Phase (FDR). Within this phase, the focus will be on the development of the algorithms and verification with simulation tools. After FDR, in the MAIV (Manufacturing Assembly Integration and Verification) a complete lab set-up will be realized at MPIA where the SCAO Control algorithms will be tested with the real wavefront sensor and RTC hardware in front of a telescope simulator, so the focus will shift to the test and verification of the real SCAO system.

We are looking for an engineer or physicist with AO background, especially in AO algorithm development (mathematics and computing skills, preferably in COMPASS). Experience in AO instrumentation and on-sky commissioning would be an asset.

The position is initially for 5 years. We offer a very challenging and rewarding international field of work with state-of-the-art technology. The remuneration is based on the German collective wage agreement for the public sector (TVöD) depending on qualification and experience. Social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service. The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and encourages disabled persons to apply. Applications from women and historically under-represented groups are particularly welcome. The MPIA supports its employees in their search for suitable childcare institutions.

All applications and reference letters need to be submitted not later than August 19, 2019 using our online application system at: Online Application.

More detailed information about the MPIA is available from our webpage: http://www.mpia.de.

For further information on the job specification please contact Silvia Scheithauer: [email protected].

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from historically underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. MPIA supports its employees in their search for suitable childcare.

Included Benefits: Social benefits are granted according to the regulations for public service.