Header image Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics

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: https://www.mpe.mpg.de/ATHENA-WFI/ .

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 characterized 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 (m/f/div)
for Satellite Instrumentation (Project ATHENA WFI)

Job Code 20/2024

Your tasks:

Design of experiments at complex measurement setups
Characterization 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
Analyzing the data to determine the characteristic detector properties
Interpretation and documentation of the results
Extension of the data analysis programs

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 Service (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 three 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 ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, romantic orientation, national origin, or disability.

For more information of the work of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, visit https://www.mpe.mpg.de/main.

Applicants should submit their documents including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and certificates (PDF files) online by November 3, 2024.

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

Apply now

Full-Time , Temporary

Specialist

Updated at 10/02/2024

While applying for the job please refer to jobvector and use the following reference number: 20/2024