Research Fellow - Freeform Optics Metrology, School of Natural Sciences, College of Science and Engineering (University of Galway 324-23)

19 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Galway

Research Field

Physics » Other

Researcher Profile

Leading Researcher (R4)

Country

Ireland

Application Deadline

1 Mar 2024 - 17:00 (Europe/London)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term (22 months) position as a Research Fellow - Freeform Optics Metrology with the Applied Optics Research group, Physics Unit, at the University of Galway, Ireland.  

 

The Applied Optics research group (optics.nuigalway.ie) carries out basic and applied research with a main focus on adaptive optics, imaging and image processing as well as active optics for space telescopes and astronomical polarimetric imaging. Our goal is to drive innovation through developing expertise in optics and imaging, ranging from optical design to the development of prototype instrtuments and systems, working with a wide range of sectors including the European Space Aganecy, European Southern Observatory and local insdustry.  Our researchers have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art on-campus facilities, including well-equiped darkrooms, optical metrology, and adaptive optics systems (wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors). 

 

This Enterprise Ireland, Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment funded Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund (DTIF) project FreeForm-OPTIX is recruiting researchers from 8th January 2024 at University of Galway to work alongside project partners Mbyronics (https://mbryonics.com/ ) (project lead), EireComposites Teo (https://www.eirecomposites.com/ ) and Irish Manufacturing Research (https://imr.ie/ ).  

 

Freeform optics are becoming a critical technology for enabling a growing number of high technology applications and are made using an optical component such as a mirror, lenses or prism, and combinations thereof, for optical data collection. Such technology can be found in global satellite communication and wearable devices such as AR/VR headsets, lidar systems for autonomous transport, wireless optical communications, and smartphone cameras. The FreeForm-OPTIX project requires new precision optical metrology capabilities, which may be based on nulling interferometry using Computer Generated Holograms (CGHs) or other novel approaches. The metrology should be compatible with in-line application during mirror polishing. 

 

Job Description: 

The successful candidate will work in the Applied Optics group under the supervision of Dr. Nicholas Devaney to develop advanced  optical metrology systems suitable for measuring the optical figure of freeform mirrors. Working with the project partners, the successful candidate will contribute to the development and prototyping of optical metrology suitable for in-process application . As part of the Applied Optics group, the successful candidate will also seek follow-on collaboration and funding opportunities for the further development of advanced metrology capabilities by aiding in, for example, Horizon Europe, InterREG, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland research project applications.  

 

Duties:  

• Develop a deep understanding of the requirements for optical metrology in the context of the FreeForm-OPTIX project.  
• Develop a proposal for a prototype system to demonstrate an optical metrology solution  to the project requirements. 
• Assemble, Inegrate and Test the prototype system in the Applied Optics laborattories.  
• Perform testing and inspection of sample freeform optical components.  
• Work with industrial partners to assess and optimise the lab-based optical metrology for industrial scale-up. 
• Keep up to date with research-related methods and techniques, in particular, developments in the specific research area. 
• Contribute to the preparation of technical and financial reports and reviews. 
• Contribute to lab and equipment Health and Safety documentation and procedures 
• To have knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures, relevant to the role, this may include broader University/ sector/ external sponsor or funder (e.g. Commercial Awareness, Research Ethics, Knowledge Transfer, Patents, Intellectual Property Rights, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity). 
• Liaise with other project members, industry partners and related projects. 
• Attend project meetings and events. 
• Disseminate research output via journal and conference publications, and conference presentations. 
• Contribute to outreach, social media and open STEM events related to group and lab activities. 
• Contribute to intellectual property filings where appropriate.  
• Assist in the preparation of further research proposals. 
• Assist in related teaching and research activities. 
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post. 

 

Qualifications/Skills required:  

Essential Requirements: 

• Minimum of PhD Degree in Physics or a relevant Engineering discipline and 4-6 years full-time postdoctoral research experience. 
• Evidence of experience in developing optical metrology systems 
• Excellent mathematical and computational skills appropriate to the task. 
• Excellent written and verbal English 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Evidence of scientific publication and dissemination 

Desirable Requirements:  

• Experience with metrology of freeform optics. 
• Evidence of experience in Optical Design (raytracing) 
• Experience with FEM of opto-mechanical systems.  
• Experience in the manufacture/polishing of optical components. 
• Experimental optical testing expertise. 
• Project management experience. 

 

Salary: Research Fellow salary scale €61,318- €80,048 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.   

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.  

Research Salary Scales - University of Galway).  

 

Start date: Position is available from 1st April 2024. An earlier start date may be available. 

 

Continuing Professional Development/Training: 

Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment - see HERE  for further information. 

Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway  

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie   

 

Further information about the School is available at: School of Natural Sciences - University of Galway  

 

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr Nicholas Devaney ([email protected] ) 

 

To Apply: 

Applications to include a cover letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in Word or PDF only) to Nicholas Devaney [email protected]   

Please put the reference number University of Galway 324-23  in subject line of e-mail application. 

 

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time) Friday 1st March 2024. 

 

Interviews are planned to be held on Friday 15th March 2024 

 

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post. 

 

University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer. 

 

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment  

Requirements

Research Field

Physics » Other

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Galway

Country

Ireland

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Ireland

City

Galway

Website

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/

Street

University Road

Postal Code

H91 TK33

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED