The Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) is one of the world’s leading astronomical research institutes. We develop instruments for ground-based observatories and space missions.
With the starting date April 1, 2025 we are looking for an AO Scientist / Astronomer / Physicist / Engineer for Adaptive Optics (m/f/d), Job code: 388 with a focus on adaptive optics (AO) development in astronomy.
Directly observing exoplanets from the ground on modern 8 to 39m telescopes requires a hitherto unprecedented amount of wavefront control through adaptive optics (AO). MPIA is involved in a number of instrumentation projects aimed at finding, observing and characterizing planets outside of the solar system to answer questions about their formation, (atmospheric) composition, and ultimately about their potential to host life. With a long tradition in supplying adaptive optics instruments to several observatories, we are currently leading the AO subsystem of the METIS instrument, contribute to the ongoing upgrade of SPHERE (SAXO+), and are gearing up to play a major role in PCS, the planned Planetary Camera and Spectrograph for ESO’s 39m ELT. The increase in number of actuators and operation frequency of the respective AO systems, combined with ever more demanding requirements on resulting wavefront quality and control oblige MPIA to set up a dedicated AO research, development, and test facility for innovative AO concepts.
The position is initially limited to 3 years, but the applicant can be considered for permanent employment at a later stage.
This position is located in the instrumentation group of the technical departments. The MPIA technical departments consist of five different departments and have some 45 staff members and apprentices. The focus of this position is on consolidating and further developing the AO expertise at MPIA in close collaboration with the existing technical and scientific team.
The responsibilities include
- Planning and setting up an AO test laboratory at MPIA
- AO tests for the METIS instrument in the laboratory at MPIA and in the Netherlands, as well as at the ELT in Chile
- Supporting the integration and testing work for the SAXO+ project in France
- Support for studies of future instruments with AO systems, e.g. PCS
- Support for the creation of ESO-compliant documentation
Your profile
- University degree or equivalent qualification in physics or engineering, preferably with an astronomical background
- Experience in building and testing astronomical instruments and adaptive optics systems is an advantage
- Willingness to work in a team
- Willingness to work abroad
- Good knowledge of English for working in an international team
We offer
- A very challenging field of activity and working with state-of-the-art technology in an international working environment
- Salary according to your qualifications and professional experience in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service TVoeD (federal government) up to EG 14
- Additional pension scheme (VBL) and social benefits comparable to the public sector
- Possibility of mobile working
- Flexible working hours
- Job ticket subsidy
- Support in finding childcare facilities if required
The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged. The MPG strives for gender equality and diversity. The compatibility of career and family is an important concern for us. If you have any questions about equal opportunities or severe disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunities Officer (equality@mpia.de), or Ralf Launhardt (rl@mpia.de).
The Max Planck Society wants to increase the proportion of women in those areas in which they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.
Your application
Your application should include the following documents:
CV, overview of your previous experience, overview of knowledge and skills relevant to this vacancy, university transcripts and the names and addresses of three references we can contact.
Please apply online only: Online Application
Application deadline January 20th, 2025
Please contact Dr. Thomas Bertram for information on the technical requirements profile, E-mail: bertram@mpia.de Telephone: (+49) 6221 528441.
