The Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (FZU) is a public research institution, focusing on basic and applied research in physics. FZU is the largest of the institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences with more than 1300 employees, including a considerable number of international workers. The ambition of FZU is to push forward the boundaries of knowledge and to conduct first-rate research in the fields of elementary particles, condensed systems and solid particles, optics, plasma physics and laser physics.
We are looking for a new colleague to join the LISA project team at the position of
Postdoc - Space Applications
Project description:
FZU is collaborating on preparation of space mission LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), which will detect gravitational waves. FZU is contributing to mission critical space hardware – especially to piezo mechanisms, mechanisms for switching laser sources and alignment of laser beam, starting from their design and being responsible also for prototyping and tests. The work is typically done in cooperation with other institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences and technological companies in the Czech Republic.
Responsibility:
- Gathering technical requirements, communication with local and international partners, both industrial and academic.
- Participate on conceptual designs of space mechanisms with special focus on redundancy, thermal stability, vibrations etc.
- Participate on design iterations, manufacturing and tests of precise mechanisms based on piezo technology and flexure hinges. Other principles are also under investigation.
- Basic thermal and vibration calculations using FEM methods, cooperation with FEM specialists during design iterations.
- Participation on mechanism stability/resolution measurement method development, design of test stands, participation in measurements.
- Participation in the scientific activities of the LISA Consortium.
- Participation in the Prague Relativity Group, the Czech group member of the LISA Consortium.
Required qualifications:
- PhD. in physics with a thesis in a related field of research.
- Strong motivation to work on new research topics.
- English language – advanced in reading, writing, communicating.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Good team-working skills.
- Experience with 3D design using some of the CAD systems is an advantage.
- Basic experience with precision mechanics and optomechanics design is an advantage.
- An experience with FEM calculations and/or piezo technology is an advantage.
Why should you apply?
- Working in an international, creative, and highly motivated environment
- Cutting-edge research topics with high application potential
- Working in a multidisciplinary research team
- A stimulating and friendly supervising and mentoring environment
- Unique research facilities
- Training and development possibilities (seminars, workshops, conferences)
- Soft skills trainings (project management, grant applications, etc.)
- Language courses
- Flexible working hours
- and more benefits such as Multisport card, meal allowance, cooperate kindergarten, etc.
Terms of employment:
The initial period of employment is 1 year (further extension is then possible and expected), starting as soon as possible, depending of the availability of the applicant.
Application procedure:
Please send a motivation letter, your CV, a list of publications and two references to daceva [at] fzu [dot] cz