**Job Description**
The post holder will join the LISA Optical Bench Team at the University of Glasgow, contributing to the European Space Agency (ESA) led LISA mission. LISA is a flagship scientific mission launching in the mid-2030s, designed to detect gravitational waves using three satellites in a triangular configuration, monitoring test mass displacements with laser links. The role involves developing, building, testing, and documenting optical benches for each spacecraft, which are integral to the interferometry system. This includes working with components such as lasers, fibre optics, optical modulators, and precision measurement systems. A significant aspect of the role involves liaising with multiple international partners including ESA, UKSA, ATC, and NASA. Please note that due to funder/partner conditions related to Export Administration Regulations (EAR), applications from nationals of countries excluded in the NS2 column of the provided country list are unable to be considered.
**Skills & Abilities**
• Proven practical laboratory skills in optics/interferometry/photonics.
• Ability to use initiative and to learn and apply new techniques.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
• Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
• (For appointment at Grade 7): Research creativity and strong collaborative ability.
• (For appointment at Grade 7): Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
• A relevant subject or a cognate discipline (Honours degree – SCQF Level 10 – for Grade 6).
• Ph.D in a relevant research/professional environment (SCQF level 12) or equivalent professional qualifications and experience (for Grade 7).
**Experience**
Experience Required:
• Experience of working in optics/interferometry/photonics environment.
• Sufficient relevant research experience appropriate to an early career researcher.
• Scientific writing.
• Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.
• (For appointment at Grade 7): Sufficient depth of relevant research experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.
Other:
• Experience in optical modelling and design of optical systems (Desirable).
• Experience in hydroxide-catalysis bonding or other precision bonding techniques (Desirable).
• Experience with optical metrology (Desirable).
• Experience working with NIR lasers (Desirable).
• Experience in clean-room working (Desirable).
• Experience in optical polishing (Desirable).
• Experience in data handling and processing using, e.g., Matlab, Python, LabVIEW (Desirable).
• Experience with building laboratory electronics (Desirable).
• Compliance with Export Administration Regulations (EAR) restrictions is required; nationals from countries excluded in the NS2 column of the provided country list (https://www.bis.gov/regulations/ear/738#supplement-1-738) cannot be considered.
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