Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Astronomical Instrumentation and for Extra-solar Planet Characterisation
Job Summary
Oxford
United Kingdom
Job Description
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in astronomical instrumentation for extra-solar planet characterisation.
The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 30 months , with the possibility of 1-2 years extension subject to successful funding renewal.
This project will compare, using a laboratory experiment, the use of lenslet-array and image-slicer based integral field spectrographs for ELT-PCS with the aim to determine the best suitable technology, for PCS.
The successful candidate will work in a small team and help setup a laboratory experiment to quantify and determine the limitations on the contrast ratio achievable with both types of integral field spectrographs. You will be involved in the characterisation of both integral field units, the alignment and characterisation of the spectrograph optics, and the setup of the experiment including light sources, camera, and control software. In addition, you will conduct the contrast measurements, and analyse the acquired data. The experiment will also be taken to ESO’s headquarters in Garching, Germany, where we will integrate it into the GHOST adaptive optics bench and repeat the contrast measurements.
Applicants should possess, or be close to obtaining a doctorate in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or a related field, and ideally have a strong background in astronomical instrumentation, data reduction and analysis.
Previous experience in the field of adaptive optics assisted, near-infrared integral field spectroscopy will be an advantage, in particular high-contrast observations in the field of “Direct Imaging”, and its data analysis, for example “Speckle Suppression” using angular differential imaging, spectral deconvolution, or molecular mapping.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate experience in at least one of: (1) optical design; (2) mechanical design; (3) assembly; (4) integration; (5) testing of a relevant astronomical instrumentation project, either at pre-doctoral or post-doctoral level.
The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.
Compensation and Benefits
Benefits of working at the University of Oxford can be found in the Job Description
Application Details
available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply.
Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the
selection criteria stated in the job description.
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate
whether we can contact them now.
You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must
explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills
and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during
career breaks (such as time out to care for dependents)
Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the
filename.
All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online
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