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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 ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.
ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA and APEX), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre European Extremely Large Telescope, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky" and whose operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory.
ESO is looking for one
Instrumentation Engineer
Garching
Deadline 15/06/2016
to work in the Electronic Engineering Department, within the Directorate of Engineering at ESO's Headquarters in Garching, near Munich.
About the role:
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, you will be in charge of the visible detector integration into vacuum vessels. You will also have the responsibility of the design and upgrade of detector test benches for visible detectors and be in charge of characterization and calibration of detector test benches and visible detectors. Furthermore, it is your responsibility to manage ESO's detector labs and support their safety aspects.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- (Re-)Design detector test benches based on ESO existing systems
- Create/upgrade test scripts (Python, LabView) to operate visible detector test bench equipment Assemble and test cryogenic and vacuum equipment for visible detectors
- Integrate visible detectors or mosaics into cryostats
- Support associated detector laboratories for logistics and safety
- Support installation of detector systems at ESO Garching and the observatories
- Provide technical feedback to interdisciplinary teams to support the development of imaging test 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 detector test systems already in operation
Skills & Experience:
You should have at least three years of experience in cryo/vacuum detector systems and test benches as well as experience in developing test bench control environment software either in Python or in LabVIEW languages. It is necessary to have experience in several of the following fields ranked by order of priority:
- Detector characterization
- Test bench design
- Programming and calibration using software like Python, LabView, PRiSM
- Image processing packages (e.g., IDL)
- Assembly and test of cryogenic and vacuum equipment for visible detectors
- Visible detectors and detector mosaics integration inside clean room
- Cryo/vacuum technology
- Mechanical design
Competences:
- Clean, bake and assemble detector focal plane assemblies in a clean room, as well as understand thermoelectric regulation for cryogenic systems
- Manipulate and align detectors with a laser tri-angulation device
- Use Python, LabView and PRISM to automate and control detector test benches with the aim to characterize visible detectors
- Use facilities like laminar clean air benches, ISO-5 clean room
- Manage detector laboratories, support the team on safety relevant items like usage of liquid nitrogen/ industrial gases, handling of weak radio-active sources
- 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 or an equivalent educational level, related to instrumentation physics and techniques.
Language Skills:
A very good command of the English language - oral, reading and writing - is essential and a working knowledge of German or Spanish would be an advantage.
Reports to:
Head of the Electronic Developments, Lab Facilities & Workshop Group of the Electronic Engineering Department.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (income-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 performance and achievements. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.
Starting Date:
As soon as possible
Duty Station:
ESO Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
Career Path:
V
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/. Your application must be completed in English and include a motivation letter and CV. In your CV you should provide us with the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter on request.
Closing date for applications is 15 June 2016.
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 the United Kingdom.
The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.