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Research Associate in Mechanical Design

Employer
University of Cambridge
Location
Department of Physics, West Cambridge
Salary
£36,024- £44,263
Closing date
13 Oct 2023
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Job Details

The Astrophysics Group at the Cavendish Laboratory has an on-going program designing, prototyping, and deploying state-of-the-art optical and near-infrared instruments (e.g., cameras, spectrographs, active optical systems) for astronomical telescopes worldwide.

We are seeking a mechanical/opto-mechanical engineer at the Research Associate level to join our existing multi-disciplinary team. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to the precision mechanism and opto-mechanical design and construction efforts across our broad portfolio of astronomical instrument projects. These long-term projects include the delivery of the HARPS3 spectrograph, which will undertake a search for Earth-like planets around nearby Sun-like stars, the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer, an array of telescopes that will make images at angular resolutions x50 better than the JWST, and ANDES, the high-resolution spectrograph for the European ELT. The postholder will assist with the design, construction, assembly and testing of the mechanical, opto-mechanical, and vacuum assemblies for these projects which typically have micron- or sub-micron tolerances.

 

 

The successful candidate must hold a PhD (or have equivalent experience) in Engineering or a relevant scientific discipline, although candidates who are about to or have recently submitted a doctoral thesis are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have a strong background in the computer-aided design, analysis, and FEA modelling of precision mechanical systems and experience in the procurement/assembly/testing cycle of such systems.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more relevant areas including:

(a) the design, fabrication, and assembly of opto-mechanical systems; (b) the design, assembly, and testing of cryogenic (LN2 cooled) instruments; (c) the design and assembly of vacuum and pumping systems for air- and LN2-cooled enclosures.

Candidates' mechanical design experiences should be demonstrated by publications in journals or proceedings of conferences sponsored by professional bodies. Good understanding and experience of CAD, and FEA modelling, of mechanisms and mechanical assemblies is required.

The candidate must have the ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams and be a good coordinator, managing their time across projects, and communicating results clearly verbally and in writing.

The post holder will be located at the Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.

The salary range for the Research Associate grade is from £36,024- £44,263, depending on skills and experience.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31/03/2027. Subject to further funding becoming available, the contract may be extended.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Professor Chris Haniff (cah1008@cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact mott.hr@phy.cam.ac.uk 

Closing date: 13th October 2023

To apply, please click “Apply Now”.

 

Company

The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest and most successful Universities, with an outstanding reputation for academic achievement and research.

It was ranked first in the 2011 QS World University Rankings and its graduates have won more Nobel Prizes than any other university in the world. The University comprises more than 150 departments, faculties, schools and other institutions, plus a central administration and 31 independent and autonomous colleges.

The University and the Colleges are linked in a complex historical relationship. The Colleges are selfgoverning, separate legal entities which appoint their own staff. They admit students, provide student accommodation and deliver small group teaching (supervisions). The University awards degrees and its faculties and departments provide lectures and seminars for students, determine the syllabi for teaching and conduct research.

Department of Engineering

The Department’s international reputation attracts the best students, academics, sponsors and partners from around the world. The Department has 147 Academic Staff, 263 Research Staff and approximately 200 Support Service Staff. There are some 1,200 undergraduate students and over 800 postgraduate students. It is accommodated on two sites; one in central Cambridge and four satellite buildings in West Cambridge.

 

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