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Advert. no. 2015_0018
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Working at ESO

Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online. Read more..

The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive astronomical observatory. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in the Atacama Desert region of Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. The ESO headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany. ESO is the focal point for Europe's participation in the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) consortium, which is operating a large submillimetre array in the Chilean Andes. The construction of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) is also currently underway.

 

For its Directorate of Engineering at the Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, ESO is opening the position of

Detector Engineer

Garching

Vacancy closed on 12/06/2015

Deadline 12/06/2015

The position is in the Electronic Engineering Department, within the Directorate of Engineering at ESO's Headquarters in Garching, near Munich. The department comprises a group of 27 Electronic/Electrical engineers and Technicians who are responsible for the definition, design and implementation of complex control systems for advanced optical and infrared astronomical instrumentation, detectors and telescope systems required for ESO's Observatories in Chile. Within ESO's matrix structure, the successful candidate will have responsibility in defining the appropriate sensor technology and detector controller systems to fulfil the scientific requirements of infrared and visible instruments and to design, modify, integrate and qualify infrared and visible detector systems. He/she will also be responsible for the final performance of the delivered systems and shall be able to provide support to the observatory staff for maintenance and problem solving.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Define and flow down requirements for Electro-Optical imaging systems;
  • Conduct technical assessments of customer requirements and analyse Electro-Optical imaging system performance;
  • Provide technical direction to interdisciplinary teams to support the development of imaging systems;
  • Perform as a key participant in design reviews;
  • Integrate qualify and test IR/visible imaging systems;
  • Collaborate with ESO Engineers from other projects and Observatories, to define common approaches and standards and share experiences;
  • Provide support to observatory staff for maintenance and problem solving on IR detectors systems already in operation.

Experience:

Applicant should have at least 8 years of significant professional experience in the area of IR/visible detector system design, integration, qualification and test. He/she should have significant experience in several of the following fields:

  • IR/visible detector system design;
  • Detector physics;
  • Optical components of IR/visible cameras and spectrometers and their limiting performances;
  • Signal and image processing concepts;
  • General familiarity with:
    • Design of low noise electronics at cryogenic temperatures;
    • Cold optics;
    • Mechanical design;
    • Cryo/vacuum technology;
    • Image processing packages such as IDL. operation for all observing modes;

Key Competences:

  • Derive top-level detector requirements for infrared and visible instruments to achieve photon shot noise limited
  • Understand detector physics to be able to initiate new focal plane technology developments needed for future infrared instruments;
  • Closely collaborate with instrument consortia and detector manufacturers and establish good working relationships;
  • Define and implement complex system requirements for customers and/or prepare studies analysing existing systems;
  • Calibrate IR detector systems based on absolute radiometry;
  • Establish new calibration standards as required by new technology developments and perform measurements to be able to quantify overall system performance;
  • Build strong collaborative working relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds and disciplines;
  • Provide clear, concise and timely oral and written communications that identify key issues, examine options and propose a way ahead;
  • Acquire new skills, keep up-to-date with the tools used in the daily work, adapt to new procedures and identify ways to optimize the workflow;
  • Monitor progress of your own work, deliver to agreed deadlines and standards, plan activities, contribute to system design and been able to work under pressure.

Qualifications:

University degree in physics with expertise in solid state physics, electronics and quantum optics, or an equivalent educational level.

Language Skills:

The position requires an excellent command of English both written and oral. A working knowledge of German or Spanish would be an advantage.

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (tax free), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and the possibility to place your child/children in day-care.

The initial contract is for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term or indefinite extension based on technical and managerial achievements. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.

Duty Station:

Garching near Munich, Germany. Frequent visits to contractors and to the ESO Observatories in Chile may be required.

Career Path:

V

Starting Date:

As soon as possible

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit (http://www.eso.org) for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV together with the names of three individuals willing to provide professional reference letters. Closing date for applications is 12 June 2015.

Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.

No nationality is in principle excluded. However, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.

Contact us

Email vacancy@eso.org

ESO