Job Purpose
The post holder will join the LISA Optical Bench Team at the University of Glasgow. LISA is a European Space Agency (ESA) led mission to launch a gravitational detector in the mid 2030s. The mission has just been adopted by ESA as a flagship scientific mission in the next decade. The LISA instrument consist of 3 satellites in a triangular configuration with 2.5-million-kilometre arms, moving in an Earth-like orbit around the Sun. Gravitational waves from sources throughout the Universe will produce slight oscillations in the arm lengths (smaller than the diameter of an atom). LISA will capture these motions and thus measure the gravitational waves by using laser links to monitor the displacements of test masses free-falling inside the spacecraft. The LISA satellites and their scientific payload are being built by ESA, ESA member nations, and NASA. Each spacecraft carries 2 optical benches which are at the heart of the interferometry system. A joint team from the University of Glasgow and the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (ATC) in Edinburgh are responsible for developing and building these optical benches. The team is funded by the UK Space Agency (UKSA). The optical benches are built on Zerodur, a low expansion glass, with many optical components precision aligned and hydroxy-catalysis bonded to the optical bench base. As part of the optical bench build, a variety of sub-systems such as beam collimators, beam shaping, imaging systems and beam dumps have to be developed, tested and aligned on to the optical bench. You will be involved in the designing, building testing and documenting these systems and processes. Typical investigations might involve some combination of lasers, fibre optics, optical modulators, interferometers, precision manipulators, precision measurement, quadrant photodiodes, home-built electronics, optical beam profiling and data acquisition and control systems. A significant part of the process is liaising with the many different partners in the project – sub-system suppliers from multiple European countries, ESA, UKSA, ATC, NASA, etc. Main Duties and Responsibilities Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator: 1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.4. Contribute to the presentation of Optical Bench Team at LISA work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.9. Carry out modest Teaching activities [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together. For appointment at grade 7: 14. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.15. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.16. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy. For appointment at grade 8: 17. The candidate is expected to perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues, establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area and develop/implement a suitable research strategy. These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform. Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential: A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent. For appointment at Grade 7 :A2 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in Physics or related area or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s). For appointment at Grade 8: A3 A demonstrated track record of successful work in a related field in either an academic or industrial environmentA4 A track record of published research and a proven ability to research programmes, techniques and methods Skills Essential: C1 Proven practical laboratory skills in optics/interferometry/photonicsC2 Ability to use initiative and to learn and apply learn new techniquesC3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and conciselyC4 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approachC5 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach For appointment at Grade 7 :C6 Research creativity and strong collaborative abilityC7 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working For appointment at Grade 8: C8 Able to work both individually as well as part of a team and manage staff members as appropriate Experience Essential: E1 Experience of working in optics/interferometry/photonics environmentE2 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher.E3 Experience of scientific writing.E4 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field. For appointment at Grade 7 E5 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher. For appointment at Grade 8 E6 Substantial, relevant research experience in a related fieldE7 An established national/international profile Desirable: F1 Experience in optical modelling and design of optical systemsF2 Experience in hydroxide-catalysis bonding or other precision bonding techniquesF3 Experience with optical metrologyF4 Experience working with NIR lasersF5 Experience in clean-room workingF6 Experience in optical polishingF7 Experience in data handling and processing using, e.g. Matlab, Python, LabVIEWF8 Experience with building laboratory electronics The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship. Closing date: 31 May 2024 Terms and Conditions Salary will be Grade 6/7/8, £32,332 - £36,024 / £39,347 - £44,263 / £48,350 - £56,021 per annum. This post is full time, and has funding until 31st March 2025 As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. 3 A flexible approach to working.