Research Associate in Engineering

The Department of Physics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has two openings titled Research Associate or Research Assistant (depending on qualifications). One opening is focused on opto-mechanical engineering. The other is focused on electrical and control system engineering. The RA will work with Prof. Renbin YAN on astronomical instrumentation research and development. Prof. Yan’s group is working on multiple instrumentation projects, including the development of the prototype spectrograph for the AMASE project (see arXiv:2105.11471) and the calibration system for the FOBOS instrument planned for the Keck-II telescope.

The RA focused on opto-mechanical engineering will be responsible for:
1. Design opto-mechanical structures for astronomical instruments and conduct tolerance analysis.
2. Manage vendor communications for different components of the instruments.
3. Work with the team on the alignment and assembly of optical components.
4. Collaborate with the larger team and help with training students for lab work.
5. Travel to observatories to help with commissioning of instruments and servicing of the instruments when necessary.

The RA focused on the electrical and control system engineering will be responsible for:
1. Work with the team to set the requirements for the electrical and control systems in each astronomical instrument.
2. Design the control system to integrate different electrical components to satisfy the need.
3. Develop the system including prototyping and testing with iterations.
4. Manage vendor communications for components of the system.
5. Work with the team to integrate the control system with the instrument.
6. Collaborate with the larger team and help with training students for lab work.
7. Travel to observatories to help with commissioning of instruments and servicing of the instruments when necessary.

Qualifications:
1. B.S. or equivalent degree (for Research Assistant), PhD (for Research Associate) in mechanical engineering, control system engineering, optical engineering, physics, or other related fields.
2. Experiences in designing and developing opto-mechanics or electrical and control systems for astronomical instruments.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. The ability to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin is a plus, but not required.
4. Able and willing to travel, and occasionally work at high elevations for at most a few weeks at a time.

Initial appointment will be for 1 year, renewable to 3 years dependent on satisfactory performance. Extensions beyond 3 years are dependent on performance and funding availability.

Applicants should submit an application here on AcademicJobsOnline by Dec 16, 2021 and attach a full resume, a cover letter detailing relevant experience, together with names, addresses, and e-mail addresses of at least two references who have agreed to provide letters of recommendation for the applicant. The positions are open until filled. Applications received before the deadline will receive full attention.

More information about CUHK and Hong Kong can be found here.