The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) is a leading research institute in the world specializing in gravitational physics. Around 200 international scientists work at the research labs and offices located in Potsdam-Golm and Hannover, Germany. The place of work will be located in Hannover.

The Albert Einstein Institute in Hannover plays a central role in the development of ground- and space-based instruments for gravitational wave detection and Earth gravity field observation. The "laser interferometry in space" group focuses on LISA, GRACE Follow-On and instrumentation for future mission concepts. More information can be found at https://www.aei.mpg.de/179093/Interferometry_in_Space

We are expanding our team and are looking for a

Post-Doctoral researcher

in experimental physics and related fields (computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, digital signal processing) for projects at the forefront of experimental gravitational physics and instrumentation.

Specific topics include:

• Development of prototypes for LISA optical metrology (experimental, optics)
• Development and testing of the LISA phase measurement system (electronics, DSP)
• Numerical end-to-end simulation of the LISA measurement chain and development of LISA first-stage data processing algorithms
• Characterisation of the GRACE Follow-On Laser Ranging Interferometer in orbit
• Development and experimental verification of optical simulations for complex interferometers (stray light propagation etc.)
• Development and experimental verification of optomechanical accelerometers and associated optical readout techniques

Your profile
You are highly motivated to work in an international research team and have experience with an excellent track record in two or more of the following research areas:
1. Laser interferometry
2. Optical experiments
3. Optical simulations
4. Analogue & digital electronics
5. digital signal processing (FPGA)
6. Numerical Mathematics
7. Control engineering

Fluency in English and a collaborative team attitude are essential.

Knowledge of German is not required, although we encourage and support learning German.

We offer

• Work in an international research environment benefitting from regular interactions with a dedicated project team, as well as the opportunity to benefit from the wide range of expertise at the Albert Einstein Institute.
• Close collaboration with leading international partners in science, industry and space agencies.
• Full time position with competitive salary according to the pay scale of public services in Germany, fully integrated in comprehensive German social security scheme (health insurance, unemployment insurance etc.).
• Initial appointment will be for 2 years.
• Lectures and transferable skills seminars from the top-rated International Max-Planck Research School are available.
• Access to world-class laboratories, workshops, libraries and computing facilities.

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics promotes women and particularly encourages women to apply. Handicapped candidates will be given priority in case of comparable professional qualification.

Your application
If you are interested in joining our research team please submit the following documents to verwaltung@aei.mpg.de by March 31, 2018; use the subject line „Post-Doc Space Interferometry Hannover“. Later applications will also be considered in case the position has not been filled.

• Cover letter stating your research interests and future aspirations (max. 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae including publication list.

Send these documents as one single PDF (max. file size 2MB). Additionally, please arrange for two recommendation letters to be sent to the same email address and provide contact details of a third senior scientist who could provide a recommendation letter for you upon request.