Astronomical Instrumentation: Postdoc or Senior RA (Bern)

CAS in Medication Safety University of Bern; Bern; On-site; CHF 91,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Central location in Bern

Team-oriented work

Strong research infrastructure

Job summary

The Space Weather group of the Astronomical Institute, University of Bern, invites applications for a Postdoc or Senior Research Assistant (80-100%) to work on astronomical instrumentation. The role includes design, review, and commissioning within an ERC project, with opportunities to contribute to adaptive optics and broader scientific work.

Initial positions are budgeted for 2 years with renewal based on performance; senior candidates may lead the instrumentation group and expand teaching

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, astronomy, or a similar discipline.
• Experience with astronomical instrumentation, preferably spectropolarimetry, optical design, or integral field imaging.
• Programming experience with Python; knowledge of Code V or Zemax beneficial.
• Knowledge of ground- and space-based solar or stellar observations.
• Experience with project management and reviews (PDR/CDR).
• Teamplayer who likes to work with other group members and students.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, review and commissioning of astronomical instrumentation as part of the Space Weather group.
• Work on ERC project goal of building a full-visible-spectrum instrument for solar and stellar flares.
• Involvement in adaptive optics projects and further scientific work.

Skills

Astronomical instrumentation

Python programming

Spectropolarimetry

Optical design

Integral field imaging

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in physics/astronomy

Tools

Code V

Zemax

Job description

The Space Weather group of the Astronomical Institute, University of Bern, invites applications for a Postdoc or Senior Research Assistant (80-100%) to work on astronomical instrumentation. The role includes design, review, and commissioning within an ERC project, with opportunities to contribute to adaptive optics and broader scientific work.

Initial positions are budgeted for 2 years with renewal based on performance; senior candidates may lead the instrumentation group and expand teaching