Research Expert in Astronomical Instrumentation

The Institute of Astronomy at KU Leuven is a young and vibrant research unit. The institute is part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, which conducts research in numerous domains in modern physics. The institute offers excellent computer and technical infrastructure. The research environment engages, stimulates and supports over 100 researchers. Research projects span a wide range of topics.

The Institute of Astronomy is a partner in a substantial number of international networks and research projects developing astronomical telescopes and instruments for space telescopes and international ground observatories. Two projects are of specific relevance to this position: the ESA Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey (ARIEL) was selected as the fourth medium (‘M-class’) mission in ESA's Cosmic Vision 2015–25 plan in March 2018. It was adopted in November 2020 and is currently under development. The launch is estimated to take place in 2029 when the telescope will be sent into an L2 orbit. METIS is one of the first-light instruments of the E-ELT, with expected first light in mid-2029. The E-ELT is located in Cerro Armazones in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
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Responsibilities

The initial assignment for this advertised position will be in direct support to the European Space Agency (ESA) ARIEL space mission and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) METIS instrument project for the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT).

For ARIEL the successful candidate will lead the international calibration team of researchers, in planning the instrument performance and calibration tests, coordinating and running the tests, analysing the data, verifying technical and scientific requirements, and commissioning ARIEL in space.

For METIS the successful candidate will take the lead in the performance verification and calibration during the instrument assembly, integration, and verification (AIV) campaign at the NOVA facilities in Leiden.  This includes the planning, scripting, execution and analysis of the tests, in close collaboration with the METIS AIV manager and the different AIV team collaborators in the METIS consortium spanning Europe, the UK and Taiwan.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the further strategy and development of the instrumentation group at the institute.  This can be achieved by independent research, supervision of students, specialised teaching support in the master programme, organising workshops and meetings, both internally and towards an international audience.  The successful candidate will engage in study collaborations for future instruments and space telescopes that will define the next generation of instrumentation activities in the institute.

Profile

• PhD in astronomy, physics or a related discipline
• Strong track record of high-quality, independent research and excellent technical skills, relevant to the ARIEL and METIS projects
• Demonstrable excellence in characterising and calibrating state of the art astronomical instruments, integral field spectroscopy and low-resolution spectroscopy in the mid-infrared, and previous experience in calibrating and commissioning astronomical space missions
• Excellent expertise with (high-contrast) imaging, affinity with the ARIEL space misison and the METIS instrument
• Evidence of a good research network and international collaborations
• Collaborative ethos, positive attitude and excellent interpersonal skills
• Proven commitment to personal development

Offer

• Full-time role on an open contract (contract of indeterminate duration) in the staff category of senior research staff (Onderzoekskader or 'OZK’)
• Attractive salary on Salary Scale 50, including an annual holiday bonus, end-of-year bonus, ecocheques, a generous holiday allowance, free hospital insurance and numerous other benefits.
• Unique opportunity to work in a stimulating, diverse and dynamic environment, where research is driven by a young and strong community of PhD students, postdocs, and professors.
• More broadly, at KU Leuven you will enjoy the cultural richness and diversity of a large and prestigious institution located in a beautiful historical city in the centre of Belgium and Europe.

More information

Working Conditions

Interested?

For more information please contact Mr. Bart Vandenbussche, tel.: +32 16 32 75 31, mail: bart.vandenbussche@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Hans Van Winckel, tel.: +32 16 32 70 32, mail: hans.vanwinckel@kuleuven.be.

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