Research Fellow in Instrument Development for the Simons Observatory

15452BR

School of Physics & Astronomy

Research

Advert

Research Fellow in Instrument Development for the Simons Observatory
Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy

The Astronomy Instrumentation Group at Cardiff University is seeking applications for the position of Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow. 

The research fellow will work within the Astronomy Instrumentation Group (AIG) at Cardiff University. The AIG has a rich heritage in the field of mm and sub-mm instrumentation, making significant contributions to many high-profile ground, balloon and space-based experiments. Our group is now making a major contribution to the Simons Observatory, with the provision of a new Small Aperture Telescope (SAT), and an optics tube for the Large Aperture Telescope (LAT). 

The research fellow will work with a team of researchers primarily to develop the SAT receiver but will also assist with the development and testing of the LAT optics tube. The UK instruments will employ focal plane arrays of Kinetic Inductance Detectors and may also include modifications/enhancements to the optics.

This position will also involve the enhancement and development of our extensive experimental and fabrication capabilities in Cardiff and leading interactions with commercial partners for the development of new bespoke fabrication processes and experimental techniques. 

Applicants are strongly advised to contact the PIs, Prof Peter Hargrave or Prof Erminia Calabrese, ahead of application and we reserve the right to close this application early.

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/research/research-groups/astronomy-instrumentation 

This a full-time position and is fixed term until 31st December 2025.

Salary: £44,737 – £51,805 per annum (Grade 7) – appointments are usually made at the bottom of the scale. 

Informal enquiries about the role can be made by emailing Prof Peter Hargrave ([email protected]) or Helen James [email protected]). 

Or

Informal enquiries about working at Cardiff University can be made to [email protected] 

Job Reference: 15452BR

Date advert posted: Monday, 24 October 2022
Closing date:  Monday, 21 November 2022

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. We actively promote race equality and a system supporting and encouraging any minority to ensure their institutional learning and growth. We are extremely proud that our commitment to women and minorities in physics has resulted in us being awarded the Athena Swan Silver status and the Institute of Physics Project Juno: Champion status. We are the first School in Wales to achieve recognition for both. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University

Job Description

Main function 
To work as a member of the Astronomy Instrumentation Group (AIG), leading and coordinating activity within the UKRI Grant project A major UK role in the Simons Observatory; to contribute to the research record of the School through commitment to carrying out research leading to the publication of high quality work in academic journals and the development of intellectual property; to lead, when appropriate, interactions with industrial partners. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 
Research
·    To develop independently research and innovation objectives within the AIG Simons Observatory (SOUK) team, and to develop associated projects or proposals for own or joint research, including research funding acting as a Principal Investigator (PI) as required.
·    To generate and pursue independent and original research ideas in the field of research, and support the initiation of new lines of research in related areas, including writing research funding proposals.
·    To build and create networks both internal and external to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research and innovation requirements and share ideas for the benefit of the research projects.
·    To contribute to the long-term strategic planning and management of the research group, interpreting and incorporating School strategy into work priorities and setting the standards for the group.
·    To disseminate research and innovation findings using appropriate and effective international publications, seminars, meetings and conferences.
·    To lead, organise and coordinate the relevant research and development activity of the AIG across the networks of universities and industry partners where appropriate.
·    To monitor and report status and progress to the project PI and AIG Programme Manager and maintain a technical risk register.
·    To supervise and develop other research staff and students within their own research projects.

Other
·    To provide guidance to students in own specialist area, including supervising and assessing undergraduate projects.
·    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
·    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, or other academic institutions for collaboration across a range of activities which will
·    contribute to the AIG portfolio of projects, and the enhancement of its regional, national, and international profile;
·    To undertake personal and professional development that is appropriate to the role, and which will enhance performance.
·    To carry out any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria  

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level in Physics, Engineering, or a related subject

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research achievement or equivalent industrial experience in the field of far-infrared and/or submillimetre instrumentation development

3.    Knowledge of the current status of research in far-infrared and submillimetre instrumentation, including optical systems, cryogenics, detectors and related electronics, and a growing reputation within the field, demonstrated, for example, by invited conference presentations and technical society participation or leading substantial industrial or research activities

4.    A strong record of high-quality publications in appropriate academic journals

5.    Evidence of successful collaborations with industry and/or the ability to develop networks and interdisciplinary links with researchers in other institutes to enhance the overall strength of research

6.    Proven ability to understand how to apply for and obtain competitive research funding 

Communication and Team Working
7.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.

8.    Ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team working, supervising the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals, including the ability to lead by influence rather than direct line management authority.

Other

9.    Evidence of ability to train MSc or PhD students, or other workers, in highly complex technical tasks and to operate complex equipment in a safe and effective manner.

Desirable Criteria 

10.    Experience with computational modelling, particularly finite-element based multiphysics and electromagnetic packages and techniques, and bespoke code for component simulations.

11.    Experience of relevant lab techniques – optical testing, spectroscopy, cryogenics etc.

12.    Experience of instrument design, integration and end-to-end testing

13.    Experience in project management and familiarity with project management tools.
14.    Evidence of intellectual property generation and negotiations

15.    Evidence of administrative responsibilities and general academic duties within an academic department

16.    Evidence of a commitment to public engagement

Job Category

Academic – Research