Research Position (Postdoc) in the field Gravitational Wave Detector Instrumentation

Research Position (Postdoc) in the field Gravitational Wave Detector Instrumentation

(salary scale 13 TV-L, 100 %)

The Institute for Gravitational Physics invites applications for the following position starting at the earliest possible date: Research Position (Postdoc) in the field Gravitational Wave Detector Instrumentation (salary scale 13 TV-L, 100 %)

The fixed-term position is limited to 3 years.

Your role

This position is part of the project “Developing a modular suspension platform interferometer for the Einstein Telescope” which aims to investigate and design an ultra-sensitive interferometric sensor for sensing and controlling the motion between seismically isolated platforms for the next generation Einstein Telescope gravitational wave detector.

The research will be carried out at the 10m Prototype Facility (https://10m.aei.mpg.de/ ) which is jointly operated by Leibniz University Hannover and the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics. This project will build upon pioneering research conducted in this research group and ensure that a design of an inter-platform sensor specific for Einstein Telescope will be mature and ready for installation.

Your responsibilities

• Deriving requirements for inter-platform motion in Einstein Telescope and utilising available simulation tools and working closely with other working groups within the Einstein Telescope collaboration
• Supporting the work to develop, design, build and validate a prototype inter-platform motion sensor that will be compatible with Einstein Telescope

Who are we looking for?

Prerequisite for employment is a completed university degree in physics, optical engineering, or comparable field. A doctorate and a strong background in and experience with gravitational wave detector instrumentation are preferred.

Furthermore, you must have the following qualifications:

• An excellent understanding of optics, interferometry and mechanics with proficiency in both optical laboratories and undertaking optical and/or mechanical simulations
• Very good written and spoken English with excellent communications skills to engage with an international research team
• Excellent organizational skills, own initiative, and the ability to familiarise oneself with new areas of work is required
• Experience with supervision of students

Prior involvement with the Einstein Telescope collaboration and/or other international gravitational wave detector collaborations is highly desirable but not required.

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

This position will provide the opportunity to join a dynamic team in a motivating work environment as part of large international collaborations, and take the opportunity to carry out precision experiments at this world-class research facility.

• Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can be arranged upon request.
• We support employees with balancing work and family life , through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices,
• as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.
• Through our collaboration with the QUEST Leibniz Research School and the Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers, we offer outstanding development opportunities, actively support scientific staff in their career development.
• This includes a wide range training opportunities in soft skills and networking opportunities.