Assistant Optical Engineer in the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, Physics

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.   

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.   

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here.

The Role and the Department     

The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the leading UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students.

The Department is committed to advancing equality and we aim to ensure that our culture is inclusive, and that our systems support flexible and family-friendly working, as recognized by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards. We recognise and value the benefits of diversity throughout our staff and students.

The Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) is a major research group in the Department of Physics with approximately sixty staff and research students. It has established a pre-eminent reputation in the development of complex instrumentation for high profile national and international collaborative projects. The group is distributed across two physical locations in the Durham area. Firstly there is the Department of Physics located in Durham itself, with its world leading reputation in academic research. Secondly, there is a dedicated technology facility based at NETpark in nearby Sedgefield, providing access to unrivalled technical facilities for the assembly and test of complex instrumentation.

CfAI develops state-of-the-art instruments and sub-systems for applications across a wide range of disciplines including astronomical instrumentation, biophysics, remote sensing and fusion diagnostics. For example, CfAI has provided major instruments for many of the world’s leading astronomical facilities including the Anglo-Australian Telescope, William Herschel Telescope, Gemini Telescopes, Magellan Telescope, the Very Large Telescope and Southern African Large Telescope. CfAI is also currently involved in developing instruments for the Extremely Large Telescope.

An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Optical Engineer to support the development of a range of astronomical, space-based and other instrument programmes. The appointee will undertake optical design & development activities within a varied portfolio of projects. The role will involve:

• Developing and analysing optical designs to meet demanding specifications, through the use of Zemax software for example.
• The use of extensive in-house metrology equipment to validate the performance of optical components.
• Assembly, alignment and testing of standard and custom built opto-mechanical hardware, also involving the procurement of components and off-the-shelf modules.

Submitting your application      

We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.       

Please submit: 

1.     A CV and;

2.     A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification

Contact Details      

To have a chat or ask questions about the role, please contack Chris Davison (christopher.davison@durham.ac.uk).

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