Faculty Positions in Optical Engineering

Faculty Positions in Optical Engineering

ETH Zurich Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics, Exoplanet and Habitability2 Positions in Optical Engineering

TheLIFESpace

Missionisspearheadedby the Exoplanets & Habitability Group at ETH Zurich and has now reached anexcitingpoint where the project needs to advance to the next stage. After the formulation ofan initialmission baseline description, mission requirements, and recent successes with the ETH-owned laboratory testbed, the completion of a full missionconceptstudy is of highest priority.

The mission concept study willfinalizethe required satellite architecture,conduct key technical trades, andfinalizethe overall mission development planand implementation strategy to drive the LIFE Space Mission to successful launch and operations. To support the mission concept study, we opened twopositions inOptical

Engineering.

LIFE brings together scientists, engineers, and communicators united by curiosity and the pursuit of life beyond our Solar System. We believe this is only possible through building an inclusive workplace where teams of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, ideas,and experiences can come together to tackle this generational challenge in a shared journey.
We understand that some people may hesitate to apply if they do not meet all the listed requirements. Research shows that this is particularly true for women. If you believe that your profile is a good fit for this position, we invite you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications listed.

The successful candidate swill contribute to the design, analysis, and validation of high-precision optical systems formid-infraredspace-based interferometry.

• Design andanalyzeoptical systems for space interferometry
• Perform optical simulations, performance modelling, and tolerance analyses
• Conductpolarizationanalyses and assessments of interferometric optical systems
• Perform straylight and ghost analysis to ensure compliance with high-contrast performance requirements
• Contribute to the development of beam combination and wavefront control concepts
• Support laboratory experiments and technology demonstrators
• Interface optical designs with mechanical, thermal, and control system constraints
• Support calibration, validation,verification, and test activities
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and scientific publications
• Contribute to mission studies and proposal activities

• MSc or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field
• Solid background in physical optics, experience ininterferometryand/or cryogenic opticsis an asset
• Extensive experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g.Zemax, Code V, FRED, ASAP, or equivalent)
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Ability to work independently as well as in interdisciplinary teams
• Very goodcommand of English (written and spoken)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with space optics or astronomical instrumentation
• Knowledge ofpolarizationeffects in optical systems and straylight mitigation strategies
• Experience with laboratory optical setups and optical metrology

• A stimulating research environment at a world-leading technical university
• Participation in a high-profile international space mission concept
• Access tostate-of-the-art research infrastructure
• Competitive employment conditions and social benefits according to ETH Zurich standards. The contract will start as a fixed-term contract (1+1 year) with theoptionfor extension, based on performance and funding availability.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

We look forward to…