Research Associate / Senior Research Associate

Research Associate / Senior Research associate in mechanical design and fabrication for astronomical instrumentation (Fixed Term)

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 an experienced mechanical/opto-mechanical engineer at the Research Associate/Senior Research Associate level to join our existing multi-disciplinary team. The successful applicant will be expected to provide precision mechanism and opto-mechanical design and construction expertise across our broad portfolio of astronomical instrument projects. These 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 lead 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. Candidates must have a proven track record in the computer-aided design, analysis, and FEA modelling of precision mechanical systems and in their procurement, assembly, and testing.

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; (d) the management of large technical contracts.

Candidates' mechanical design experiences should be demonstrated by publications in journals or proceedings of conferences sponsored by professional bodies. A good understanding, and broad 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.

You will be offered one of the following two salary grades: Research Associate: £36,024- £44,263, Senior Research Associate: £45,585 to £57,696; depending on the skills and experience you are able to bring to the role.

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”.