Infrared Multilayer Laboratory Technical Group Leader

An exciting opportunity for a principal research investigator and leader of the Infrared Multilayer Laboratory, a small team of group of three or more researchers working in a dedicated thin-film coating facility for fabrication of spaceflight optical coatings. The role includes provision of technical leadership, management, and operations support in all aspects of a thin film processing team to develop specialist infrared optical coatings for space and astronomy applications.

For more details of the Infrared Multilayer Laboratory’s work please see https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/about-us/our-facilities-and-services/infrared-multilayer-laboratory .

The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of  3 Years, with the possibility of extension / becoming a permanent post

The successful candidate will:

•  Lead a programme of research and develop research questions within the area of infrared optics.
• Liaise with International Space Agencies, principally NASA and ESA, and their prime contractors to design and supply infrared devices for research and operational satellites and space missions.
• Manage and monitor research resources and budgets
• Contribute to establishing the strategic direction and setting standards for the work of the Infrared Multilayer Laboratory.
• Develop ideas for generating research income and promoting the research area and write funding applications for independent research into infrared devices.
• Regularly write research articles for prestigious journals, book chapters, and reviews. Present papers at national conferences, and lead seminars to disseminate research findings
• Provide academic supervision for research students.
• Promote the research group locally and nationally, disseminate research outcomes to advance knowledge in the field of research; represent the research group at external meetings/seminars and liaise with sponsors, stakeholders, national agencies, and professional bodies.
• Liaise with other research groups within the Department of Physics and partner institutions to identify innovative applications of infrared thin film technology in new areas of research.
• Member of departmental committees advising on scientific and management matters for the department
• Responsibility for all stages of thin-film deposition processing, including operating thin-film coating deposition plants; equipment troubleshooting, routine maintenance and improving plant operations.
• Conduct post-deposition environmental performance testing of optics.

Applicants should possess a degree in physics, materials science or engineer, and a strong background in optical instrumentation, high temperature vacuum systems and fundamentals of thin film optical coating processes .

Previous experience in the field of vacuum deposition techniques, thin film modelling would be advantageous will be an advantage.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate ability to work within and develop  quality management systems, excellent attention to detail, familiarity with relevant health and safety requirements for the day to day operation of a laboratory, strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Gary Hawkins, Keith Nowicki