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 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.

Click the ’Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

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.

Please quote reference KA38373 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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