Applications are invited for a Senior optical engineer in astronomical instrumentation for the HARMONI spectrograph project. The post holder will be in charge of detailed optical analysis, assembly and testing of the modules and assemblies of the spectrograph sub-system.

 

The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 3 years, extendable until project completion.

 

The University of Oxford is leading the development of HARMONI, the spectrograph for the world’s largest ground-based optical telescope, the European Extremely Large Telescope (http://www.eso.org/elt).  The spectrograph team at Oxford are just completing the opto-mechanical design of four identical spectrographs and will be assembling & aligning the spectrographs (approx. 2m x 1m x 1m) and verifying their performance at 130 K in specialist cryo-test chambers.

 

The successful candidate will be responsible for all optical aspects of HARMONI’s spectrograph sub-system. This includes the collimators, fold mirrors, volume phase holographic gratings and cameras, made up of reflective and transmissive optical elements, that are typically procured as custom items from specialist optics manufacturers worldwide.  With its wide wavelength range and high throughput and image quality requirements, the HARMONI spectrograph optics are challenging to fabricate, align and test. The post holder will lead the optical design analysis, assembly, integration and testing of the spectrograph sub-system and its modules, and specialist expertise in these areas is required.

 

Applicants should possess a Professional degree at the Master's level or equivalent experience in Physics / Optics / Optical Engineering, and at least 2-3 years of post-qualification experience working in an optics focussed role. (the appointment level will be tailored to the experience and qualification level).  Further details can be found in the Job Description.

 

Previous experience in optical systems design, alignment and testing; further details can be found in the Job Description.

 

Candidates are expected to demonstrate substantial experience in working with commercial optics design and analysis software packages. We also expect the candidate to possess expertise in visible or near-infrared wavelength instrumentation.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.

 

Please direct enquiries about the role to Professor Niranjan Thatte (niranjan.thatte@physics.ox.ac.uk).

 

Only applications received before midday 17th February 2023 can be considered. You will be required to upload a letter of application/supporting statement, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application.