T03-26-01 Head of Imaging Sensor Technology (f/m/d)

Deutsches Zentrum für Astrophysik (DZA); Görlitz; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual special payment

Public sector benefits

Flexible working hours

Part-time possible

Family-friendly

Job summary

DESY sucht zum frühestmöglichen Zeitpunkt eine Leitung Imaging Sensor Technology (f/m/d) am neuen DZA-Standort in Lusatia. Sie gründen und leiten die Gruppe Imaging Sensor Systems, entwickeln Technologiestrategien und koordinieren Industriepartnern in einer interdisziplinären Umgebung.

Sie verfügen über einen Doktorgrad oder gleichwertigen Abschluss in relevanten Bereichen, umfangreiche Erfahrungen mit CCD-/NIR-Sensoren und leadership in internationalen Projekten.

Qualifications

• PhD or gleichwertiger Abschluss in Halbleitertechnik, Elektronik, Regelungstechnik oder verwandtem Gebiet.
• Umfangreiche Erfahrung in der Entwicklung von Imaging-Sensors an international führenden Observatorien.
• Beiträge zur Entwicklung von Imaging-Sensoren für Boden- oder Weltraumteleskope.
• Ausgedehnte Erfahrung mit CCD-Systemen, MCT-NIR-Detektoren (z. B. Teledyne H2RG) und der Gestaltung/Programmierung von Detektorcontrollern.
• Umfangreiche Kenntnisse in Elektronik-Entwicklung, CAD-Software (z. B. OrCAD, Altium), Linux und C++; Erfahrung mit ASICs ist von Vorteil.
• Umfangreiche Erfahrung in Detektor-Montage, Systemintegration, Test, Optimierung und technischer Dokumentation; Kenntnisse in Kühlung von Detektoren sind vorteilhaft.
• Erfahrung in Führung, industrieller Zusammenarbeit, internationalen Projekten, Publikationen und Konferenzen.

Responsibilities

• Aufbau und Leitung der Imaging Sensor Systems-Gruppe.
• Entwicklung von Technologiekonzepten in Zusammenarbeit mit Wissenschaftlern.
• Entwurf innovativer Bildsensor-Technologien, insbesondere CMOS, und Detektorsteuerungssysteme.
• Projektmanagement zur Entwicklung von Focal-Plane-Arrays für Boden- und Raumastronomen.
• Entwicklung, Charakterisierung, Integration und Optimierung von Detektor-Controllern und Imaging Sensor Systems.
• Koordination industrieller Verträge und Zusammenarbeit mit Wissenschafts- und Industriepartnern.
• Führung, Ausbildung und Entwicklung von Teammitgliedern, Budgetplanung und Qualitätssicherung.
• Präsentation und Veröffentlichung von Ergebnissen, Drittmittelakquise und Vertretung der DZA in Netzwerken.

Skills

Imaging sensor systems development

CCD systems

MCT near-infrared detectors

Detector controllers design

Electronic system development

OrCAD

Altium

Linux

C++

ASICs (advantage)

Team leadership

International collaborations

Publications and presentations

Education

PhD or Diploma/Master in semiconductor technology, electronics, control engineering, or related field

Tools

OrCAD

Altium

Linux

C++

Job description

The German Center for Astrophysics (DZA) is being established as a new large-scale research center in Lusatia, Germany. Its mission is to strengthen German astrophysics strategically, foster scientific excellence, and actively contribute to the structural transformation of the region. As a scientific institution with a strong focus on innovation, the DZA will create new opportunities for astrophysics in Germany while sustainably shaping the future of Lusatia.

At the earliest possible date, the position is to be filled for an initial fixed term of three years, in accordance with Section 14(2a) of the German Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act (TzBfG):

Head of Imaging Sensor Technology (f/m/d)

(subject to personal qualifications, remuneration according to TVöD Bund, till pay grade E14)

YOUR TASKS:

• Establishment and leadership of the Imaging Sensor Systems group
• Development of technology strategies in collaboration with scientists
• Design of innovative imaging sensor technologies, particularly CMOS, and detector control systems
• Project management for the development of focal plane arrays for ground-based and space-based astronomical instruments
• Development, characterization, integration, and optimization of detector controllers and imaging sensor systems
• Coordination of industrial contracts and collaborations with scientific and industrial partners
• Leadership, training, and development of team members, including budget planning and quality assurance
• Presentation and publication of results, acquisition of third-party funding, and representation of the DZA in professional networks and committees

REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD, or alternatively a Diploma or Master’s degree, in semiconductor technology, electronics, control engineering, or a related field
• Excellent knowledge and several years of experience in imaging sensor systems development at internationally leading observatories
• Proven contributions to the development of imaging sensors for innovative ground-based or space-based telescope instruments
• Extensive experience with CCD systems, MCT near-infrared detectors (e.g. Teledyne H2RG), and the design and programming of detector controllers
• Strong expertise in electronic system development, CAD software (e.g. OrCAD, Altium), Linux, and C++; experience with ASICs is an advantage
• Extensive experience in detector assembly, system integration, testing, optimization, and technical documentation; knowledge of cryogenic detector cooling is beneficial
• Experience in team leadership, industrial collaborations, international projects, scientific publications, and conference presentations
• Very good written and spoken English, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams

WE OFFER:

• The opportunity to contribute to the establishment of Germany’s largest astrophysics research center
• Active participation in shaping the structural transformation of the Lusatia region
• Creative freedom in developing innovative scientific and technological structures
• An international and interdisciplinary working environment with renowned experts from science and industry
• Remuneration according to TVöD Bund including annual special payment and additional public sector benefits
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of part-time employment
• A strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly working conditions

The DZA aims to increase the proportion of women in science and therefore expressly encourages women to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons are particularly welcome. Applicants with disabilities or equivalent status according to SGB IX will be given preferential consideration in the case of equal suitability.

08.11.2026