Research fellow (m/f/d) in project BECCAL

Research fellow (m/f/d) in project BECCAL

We are looking for a research fellow to participate in the development of and quality control for control and housekeeping electronics as part of the project BECCAL. Depending on background and research interests, the work might be extended to explore novel FPGA based systems for atom interferometry with ultra‑cold quantum gases.

BECCAL is a large joint endeavour by NASA and DLR to implement a user facility for experiments with ultra‑cold quantum gases of Rubidium and Potassium on the International Space Station (ISS).

Responsibilities

• Scientific service in research in the BECCAL project for the realization of a user‑facility for ultracold quantum gases on board the ISS.
• Develop electronics to control high‑frequency components of the BECCAL laser system under space conditions.
• Develop housekeeping electronics to monitor function of the BECCAL laser system under space conditions during deployment.
• Check functionality and control product assurance of control electronics of the BECCAL laser system in interaction with flight hardware.
• Evaluate FPGA development according to current scientific state of the art.
• Interact intensively with partners in the BECCAL collaboration, including the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and other NASA facilities in the USA.
• Support experiments with ultra‑cold Rubidium and Potassium.

Qualifications

• Completed scientific university education (Master or similar) in electrical engineering (or related field with equivalent experience in electronics development).
• Solid knowledge of high‑frequency electronics.
• Extensive knowledge of computer‑aided PCB design (Eagle or KiCad).
• Willingness and ability to work with NASA partners.
• English language skills (B2, demonstrated by a certificate or writing sample).
• Good team spirit and ability to work effectively in a collaboration.
• Ph.D./doctoral degree (completed or thesis already submitted) in physics.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience in design, implementation and testing of FPGA and SDR (software‑defined radio) systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting electronic products and interference signals.
• Training in the manufacturing of electronic products according to ECSS standards.
• Experience in quality and product assurance.
• Knowledge of design and safety standards for space applications.
• Gender and diversity sensitivity.

The Humboldt‑Universität zu Berlin is seeking to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching, and specifically encourages qualified female scholars to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preferential consideration. People with an immigration history are specifically encouraged to apply.