Head of Optical Group

SOLEIL is the French national synchrotron facility, located on the Saclay Plateau near Paris. It is a multi-disciplinary instrument and a research laboratory, whose mission is to run research programs using synchrotron radiation, to develop state-of-the-art instrumentation on the beamlines, and to make those available to the scientific community. SOLEIL, a unique tool for both academic research and industrial applications across a wide range of disciplines including physics, biology, chemistry etc., is used by over 5 000 researchers coming from France and abroad. The facility is a “public” company employing about 500 people, founded by the CNRS and the CEA, and partner of the Paris-Saclay University.

The head of the optical group carries out its activity in the Experiences division under the responsibility of the scientific directors; supervising a team currently composed of 5 engineers and 1 technician.

I.Mission

Manage the optics group, which implements optical systems for beamlines from a functional specification provided by the scientific managers; ensure the maintenance and good performance of these systems throughout their life. Ensure a suitable level of R&D to offer solutions when the need arises. Ensure the existence and reliability of metrology, and the means of qualifying optics and associated opto-mechanical devices, to the best level of precision. Responsible for quality control of the materials deployed.

II.Responsability and tasks

The optics group leader will :

• Ensure the proper functioning of the team:

1. Participate in the recruitment and evaluation of the personnel placed under his/her responsibility;
2. Interact strongly with the accelerators and engineering division (DAI), namely for subject related to photon sources, IDs, and thermo-mechanical studies.

Take charge of the detailed design of beamline optics and associated instruments over a broad spectral range, from IR to hard X-rays:

1. Prepare calls for tender, check the production of equipment and perform acceptance tests;
2. Conduct and supervise the necessary technical studies;
3. Direct the production of prototypes allowing tests, the results of simulation programs on critical points.

Supervise and validate quality control procedures for the various components of optical systems:

1. Metrology of precision optics, mirrors, crystals, networks, multilayer treatments, etc.
2. Guarantee the quality/control in accordance with the specifications of the optomechanical assemblies.

Define the strategy and protocols for mounting and adjusting the above-mentioned assemblies:

1. Give support to the installation of equipment in the experiment hall and supervise the alignment;
2. Participate in the commissioning of equipment;
3. Ensure maintenance in the area of ​​competence of the Optics group.

Define an R&D program and submit it for the approval of the managers of the Experimental Division:

1. Lead the development of software tools adapted to evolving sources and techniques, and validate optical calculations.
2. Expedite studies to improve, in collaboration with DAI, the thermal and mechanical stability of optics elements. Contribute, in close link to the detector group, to the development of beam flux and beam position monitoring.
3. Propose and lead internal and external collaborations on scientific or technological subjects;
4. Ensure scientific and technical monitoring in its field.

III-Training and competence

This job is for an experienced engineer (with at least 10 year experience in optical design and development, preferably at a synchrotron source) or researcher with an engineering degree or PhD. A solid experience in comparable activities is essential as well as a very deep knowledge on the sources of synchrotron radiation.

REQUESTED KNOWLEDGE 

• Advanced knowledge in physics and more particularly in optics and metrology
• Advanced knowledge in optomechanics
• Advanced knowledge Scientific computing skills
• Synchrotron radiation

FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE WILL BE A PLUS

• Experience coordinating complex scientific projects
• Experience in managing tenders for the acquisition of large scientific equipment

SKILLS    

• Ability to lead and coordinate the activity of a team.
• Ability to lead projects between several teams
• SOLEIL's foreign laboratories and companies