Detector Test Specialist (f/m/d) | Satellite Instrumentation (Project ATHENA WFI)

Scientist Garching
Astronomy & Astrophysics Complex Systems

Job Code: 20/2024

Job Offer from September 30, 2024

The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching (near Munich), Germany, is a world-leading institute which develops and operates state-of-the-art astronomical instruments for both ground-based and space-based applications. MPE is divided into four major research areas: High-Energy Astrophysics, Infrared/Submillimeter Astronomy, Optical and Interpretative Astronomy and the Center for Astrochemical Studies. Over the past years, MPE has taken a leading role in the development, manufacturing and test of scientific instruments which are used at large telescopes (VLT, LBT, ELT) and aboard satellites (for example XMM-Newton, Herschel, SRG/eROSITA, EUCLID, Einstein Probe, Athena).

Within the framework of ESA’s future large-class space mission Athena, MPE leads the international consortium developing the Wide Field Imager (WFI), one of the two instruments aboard the X-ray satellite. Further details about the WFI, which is based on the Max Planck Society’s unique Silicon DEPFET technology, can be found here.

The detector development team of MPE's High Energy Group is responsible for implementing the DEPFET sensors manufactured by the Semiconductor Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, within the WFI instrument. The demanding scientific requirements of the Athena WFI can only be fulfilled with these active pixel sensors, along with their associated electronics. The detectors are integrated and characterised at MPE.

As part of the upcoming qualification of the Athena WFI flight detectors and the development of the WFI instrument, we want to strengthen our team and are looking for a Detector Test Specialist (f/m/d) for Satellite Instrumentation (Project ATHENA WFI) /  Job Code 20/2024.

Your tasks

  • Design of experiments at complex measurement setups.
  • Characterisation of the DEPFET detectors by experiment and analysis.
  • Definition and documentation of test requirements and creation of test procedures.
  • Support in the verification of other instrument components.
  • Analysing the data to determine the characteristic detector properties.
  • Interpretation and documentation of the results.
  • Extension of the data analysis programmes.

Your qualifications

  • Analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Completed scientific university degree in physics or with equivalent skills and experience.
  • Knowledge of semiconductor detectors.
  • Practical experience in dealing with measurement technology and data analysis.
  • Good team communication in written and spoken English.
  • Good knowledge of C++, ideally first contact with the ROOT framework, is an advantage.

We offer

  • A versatile, challenging and autonomous job in a dynamic and international research environment in the development of satellite instrumentation.
  • Interdisciplinary work in a collegial team of experienced engineers and physicists.
  • Needs-oriented training opportunities.
  • Payment in line with your qualifications and professional experience in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD).
  • Company pension scheme (VBL).
  • Canteen in the immediate vicinity.
  • Underground station U6 directly in front of the institute, discounted public transport job tickets.
  • Free parking on the institute premises.
  • Family service at the Garching research campus.
  • Private accident insurance financed by the employer.
  • Reduced rates for certain insurance policies.

The full-time position is initially for 3 years.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. MPE wishes to increase diversity and equality of opportunity in all respects and welcomes applications without regard to factors such as race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

For more information of the work of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, visit our homepage

Applicants should submit their documents including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and certificates (in PDF format) online by 03.11.2024.

Late applications may be considered if the position has not been filled.

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