Postdoctoral Position in Astronomical Instrumentation for the PLANETES Project

European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An international research institute in Germany is offering a postdoctoral position focused on developing and validating a new optical metrology system. The role involves close collaboration with experts and participation in significant projects aimed at advancing exoplanet science. Candidates should have a PhD in related fields, experience in optical instrumentation, and strong programming skills. The position offers a temporary contract for 36 months with competitive benefits.

Leistungen

Competitive Fellow contract

Benefits as per ESO Fellow stipend rates

Duty trips to observatory in Chile

Qualifikationen

• At least three years of experience in optical metrology and instrumentation development.
• Experience in operating lasers and optical systems related to interferometry.
• Proficiency in Python for analysis and simulation tool development.

Aufgaben

• Develop and validate a new metrology system.
• Implement a metrology test bench with an ultra-stable laser.
• Work with VLTI specialists on deployable system design.
• Participate in commissioning and performance validation.

Kenntnisse

Instrumentation development for optical metrology

Long-baseline interferometry

Optical assembly and alignment

Python programming

English proficiency

Ausbildung

PhD in astronomy, physics, or optical instrumentation

Tools

Interferometry tools

Optical systems

Jobbeschreibung

European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere

Organisation/Company European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere Research Field Astronomy » Astrophysics Physics » Optics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 14 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

PLANETES, recently funded by the European Research Council, aims to advance exoplanet science by pushing the limits of the VLT Interferometer (VLTI). This instrumental project is directly aligned with the ongoing upgrade of the VLTI infrastructure, including the recent commissioning of GRAVITY+ ( https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2519/ ). The project addresses technological challenges critical to the next generation of interferometric instruments: development of photonic components for shorter wavelengths; on-sky testing of a new large-format APD detector; and implementation of a novel metrology system to enable microarcsecond astrometry. Over the duration of the project, we plan to validate the concept at the Paranal Observatory in Chile. More details on the project are available here: https://exogravity.obspm.fr/planetes

A postdoctoral position, based at ESO Headquarters in Garching, Germany, is offered to support this project. The successful candidate will focus on the development and validation of the new metrology system while working in close collaboration with the PLANETES team and ESO experts. The postdoctoral researcher will join the research group and report to the PLANETES Project Manager and to the ESO Head of the Office for Science in Garching. The postdoctoral supervisor will be the PLANETES Principal Investigator, Sylvestre Lacour, based at ESO Headquarters in Garching.

The researcher’s main responsibility will be to develop, integrate (at Paranal), and test the new metrology system, including the following tasks:

• Implement a metrology test bench, including installation of an ultra-stable ytterbium laser and integration with long single-mode fibres.
• Demonstrate nanometre-level optical-path measurements and vibration-correction capabilities under realistic conditions.
• Work with VLTI specialists to adapt the bench design into a deployable system for the Paranal Auxiliary Telescopes.
• Specify optical and electronic subsystems and assess operational aspects for long-term deployment.
• Participate in the installation, commissioning, and performance validation of the system at the Paranal Observatory.
• Pursue independent research, preferably in areas related to optical metrology, interferometry, or astronomical instrumentation.

Qualifications and experience

Key competencies and experience include at least three years in the development of instrumentation for optical metrology, long-baseline interferometry, or, more generally, optical instrumentation for astronomy. Required are expertise in operating and handling lasers and optical systems—particularly those related to interferometry—experience in optical assembly, alignment and experimental characterisation, and proficiency in Python for developing analysis and simulation tools for optical instrumentation. Understanding of optical-interferometry principles applied to astronomy is considered an asset.

The successful candidate will hold a completed PhD in astronomy, physics, or optical instrumentation, ideally with a specialisation in optical interferometry, prior to taking up the position. An excellent command of English, both written and spoken, is required.

Contract and benefits

The position is funded for 36 months. The successful candidate will receive a Fellow contract in line with the ESO Fellow stipend rates and benefits as outlined at https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/fellows/ . Please note that a second Fellow contract at ESO through alternative programmes is not foreseen.

Location

The position is based in Garching near Munich, Germany, with duty trips to the Paranal Observatory in Chile.

Application

Applications should include :

• A CV (including personal data, education, skills, and expertise).
• A statement of research interests (maximum two pages).
• A one-page motivation letter titled “Why I should join the PLANETES project.”
• The names and contact details of three referees, each of whom has agreed to be contacted during the selection process.

Applications must be received by 14 December 2025midnight. The selection process will begin shortly after the deadline, with interviews expected to take place in January 2026. The starting date is flexible but should be between February and November 2026.

We regard diversity as an asset within a team and welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.