The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Physics (Old)

Position ID:The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Department of Physics (Old)-ENGINEER [#20184]
Position Title: Research Assistant/Research Associate in Astronomical Instrumentation
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Shatin, N.T.Hong Kong [map] sort by distance
Subject Areas: Mechanical Engineering
Instrumentation / Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical Engineering
Electrical & Systems Engineering
Appl Deadline:2021/12/26 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2021/10/21, finished 2022/07/02, listed until 2022/04/21)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

The Department of Physics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has two openings titled Research Associate or Research Assistant (depending on qualifications). One opening is focused on opto-mechanical engineering. The other is focused on electrical and control system engineering. The RA will work with Prof. Renbin YAN on astronomical instrumentation research and development. Prof. Yan’s group is working on multiple instrumentation projects, including the development of the prototype spectrograph for the Affordable Multiple Aperture Spectroscopy Explorer (AMASE) project. AMASE is a planned project to conduct integral field spectroscopy observations over a large contiguous sky area for the study of star forming feedback and galaxy evolution (see arXiv:2105.11471). The spectrograph is fiber-based and has a spectral resolution of R~15,000. It combines high-end commercial photographic lenses and CMOS detectors with custom-made optical components. Prof. Yan’s group is also working on the calibration system for the FOBOS instrument, which is the next generation fiber-based multi-object spectrograph for the Keck-II telescope.

The RA focused on opto-mechanical engineering will be responsible for:
1. Design opto-mechanical structures for astronomical instruments and conduct tolerance analysis.
2. Make drawings; use department machine shop or work with vendors for prototyping and production of the opto-mechanical parts.
3. Manage vendor communications for different components of the instruments.
4. Work with the team on the alignment and assembly of optical components.
5. Collaborate with the larger team and participate in telecons and team meetings to present the work conducted.
6. Help the PI with training students for lab work.
7. Travel to observatories to help with commissioning of instruments and servicing of the instruments when necessary.

The RA focused on the electrical and control system engineering will be responsible for:
1. Work with the team to set the requirements for the electrical and control systems in each astronomical instrument.
2. Design the control system to integrate different electrical components to satisfy the need.
3. Develop the system including prototyping and testing with iterations.
4. Communicate with component vendors when necessary.
5. Fabricate the system.
6. Work with the team to integrate the control system with the instrument.
7. Collaborate with the larger team and participate in telecons and team meetings to present the work conducted.
8. Help the PI with training students for lab work.
9. Travel to observatories to help with commissioning of instruments and servicing of the instruments when necessary.

Qualifications:
1. B.S. or equivalent degree (for Research Assistant), PhD (for Research Associate) in mechanical engineering, control system engineering, optical engineering, physics, or other related fields.
2. Experiences in designing and developing opto-mechanics or electrical and control systems for astronomical instruments.
3. A self-directed team player, motivated to succeed in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. The ability to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin is a plus, but not required.
5. Able and willing to travel, and occasionally work at high elevations for at most a few weeks at a time.

Appointment will be for 3 years. Extensions beyond 3 years are dependent on performance and funding availability. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered.

Applicants should submit an online application by the deadline and attach a full resume, a cover letter detailing relevant experience, together with names, addresses, and e-mail addresses of at least two references who have agreed to provide letters of recommendation for the applicant. The positions are open until filled. Applications received before the deadline will receive full attention.

Benefit information can be found at this link: http://www.hro.cuhk.edu.hk/images/content/career/workingatcuhk/compensation_benefits/info_other.pdf

The Chinese University of Hong Kong is a top public research university in Hong Kong and is among the top 50 universities in the world. Recently, it is ranked the 3rd most international university in the world by Times Higher Education. The University has a very green and beautiful campus located on a hillside overlooking the bay. CUHK is committed to equal opportunity in academic pursuits and employment and to eliminating any form of discrimination or harassment. This is further protected by four anti-discrimination ordinances in Hong Kong, which make it unlawful to discriminate a person on the grounds of sex, disability, family status, and race.

Hong Kong is one of the most developed metropolitan cities in the world, and also one of the safest, greenest, and most livable cities in the world. The life expectancy of its residents is among the highest in the world. There is a universal public healthcare system, with most treatment cost covered by the government. The many districts of the city are surrounded by an abundance of natural sceneries with mountains and windy coast lines, with many beautiful hiking trails easily accessible to the city residents. Hong Kong has a low tax rate -- the personal income tax rate is capped at 15%.

Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
http://www.phy.cuhk.edu.hk/people/teaching/rbyan.html
email address
 
Department of Physics
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Shatin, N.T.
Hong Kong