Research Associate or Research Fellow in Cosmic Microwave Background Instrumentation (Simons Observatory: Uk Project)

The Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics seeks to appoint either a Research Associate (Grade 6) or a Research Fellow (Grade 7), depending on experience, to work on Instrumentation for the Simons Observatory:UK (SO:UK) project. Simons Observatory (SO) is a next-generation Cosmic Microwave Background observatory, comprised of a single large aperture telescope (LAT) and multiple small aperture telescopes (SATs). Several SO telescopes are now operational in the Atacama Desert in Chile, with others to be added over the coming 2—3 years. SO:UK is a major UK contribution to SO. In addition to a significant contribution to the SO Data Management, SO:UK is delivering two of the SO SATs. The University of Manchester leads the SO:UK project. In addition to other contributions, the Manchester team is responsible for assembling, testing, deploying and commissioning the first SO:UK SAT.

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Michael Brown, Prof. Lucio Piccirillo and the wider SO:UK team – both at Manchester and across the UK – to deliver this major instrumentation project. We seek to appoint an individual to work on the assembly, integration and testing of the first SO:UK SAT at Jodrell Bank Observatory. For appointment as a Research Fellow (Grade 7), they will, in addition, be expected to play a key role in coordinating the preparation of the SO:UK site infrastructure and act as a key interface between the SO:UK project team and the SO site team. The successful candidate may also contribute to the testing and validation of the SO:UK Kinetic Inductance Detectors and associated readout technology, using a dedicated test cryostat at The University of Manchester’s city-centre campus. They will join the SO:UK deployment team, travelling to the observing site in Chile to deploy and commission the receiver on its purpose-built telescope mount. The deployment and commissioning phase is currently scheduled to be complete before the end of 2026. During subsequent operations, they will work with other members of the SO:UK team to ensure smooth running of the SO:UK telescopes and will contribute to the SO SATs data analysis effort.

The starting date is 1st January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The post is available for three years in the first instance. It may be extended subject to satisfactory performance and available funding.

Applications should consist of a completed application form, an up-to-date CV and a Research Statement (maximum 2 pages).

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.           

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Professor Michael Brown

Email: m.l.brown@manchester.ac.uk

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