PhD position in optical instrumentation for NASA’s AtmoCube mission

Overview

PhD position in optical instrumentation for NASA’s AtmoCube mission. The Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE-4) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, in collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder (Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics) and the University of Wuppertal, is developing a satellite payload for NASA’s Atmospheric Oxygen CubeSat Mission. The mission seeks to deepen our understanding of Earth’s space environment and its dynamical response to influences from the lower atmosphere. Its long-term goal is to enable near real-time predictive capabilities to quantify the impacts of upper-atmospheric and ionospheric processes on human activities. To achieve this, the mission employs a 16-unit CubeSat equipped with two compact Spatial Heterodyne Interferometers observing natural molecular oxygen emissions in limb-viewing geometry. From these measurements, atmospheric temperatures can be derived, providing insights into atmospheric wave dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct the assembly, verification, and calibration of a novel optical instrument in our Cleanroom-5 laboratory at the University of Wuppertal
• Work with calibration units, optimize and extend existing setups, and develop a novel setup to perform an absolute radiometric calibration
• Perform a line-of-sight calibration to align the instrument’s viewing geometry with the satellite’s star cameras
• Support the integration of the optical payload into the satellite at the partner site in Boulder, Colorado
• Participate in in-orbit calibration activities during the Commissioning and Early Operations phases
• Present research at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in physics or a related field
• Strong background in physics and/or optics, with enthusiasm for hands-on experimental work
• Willingness to work in a cleanroom environment with highly sensitive optical assemblies, including evaluation of measurement data
• Proven laboratory experience and programming proficiency (Python or a comparable language)
• Ability to work independently and self-reliantly, while maintaining strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Fluency in English

Our Offer

• A three-year PhD project with a competitive salary in an international and stimulating research environment
• Integration into a multi-disciplinary team covering the full spectrum of satellite instrument development: design, manufacturing, characterization, data processing, and scientific analysis
• Opportunities to present work at national and international conferences and to engage in project meetings
• Membership in the HITEC Graduate School, providing additional scientific and professional training, international networking, and exchange opportunities
• Comprehensive training courses and opportunities for personal and professional development
• Part-time position with 19.5 hours per week and flexible working hours
• Further development of personal strengths through training courses; JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors, and related programs
• Targeted services for international employees through our International Advisory Service

Application information

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay follows the TVöD-Bund scale with potential allowances; exact salary details are available on the BMI website and the project page.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and aim to maintain a diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities.

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