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 engineering, physics or materials
science , 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.





_Only applications received before midday (UK time) 15th March 2024 can be
considered. You will be required to upload a statement of research interests,
CV and details of two referees as part of your online application._





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