wiss. Mitarbeiter:in Vakuum-/Kryotechnik bei Technische Universität Dresden

The German Center for Astrophysics (DZA) is a new research center in Lusatia, Saxony, that is currently
being established. The decision to create the center was made on 29.09.2022 as part of the
competition "Science Creating Prospects for the Region!", which was launched by the Federal
Government, represented by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Free State
of Saxony and the Land of Saxony-Anhalt as part of the Act on Structural Change in Coal Mining Areas
(Strukturstärkungsgesetz Kohleregionen, StStG) to strengthen Germany's position as a leading
location for science and innovation as well as the economic development of the regions affected by
the coal phase-out. As a globally visible sign of innovation, the DZA will create new opportunities for
strategic leadership roles of German astrophysics and have a lasting impact on structural change in
Lusatia.

A three-year start-up phase began in 2023 with the aim of establishing the DZA as an independent
institution in 2025. The start-up phase is being jointly organized by TUD Dresden University of
Technology and the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY).

TUD, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the
country. Founded in 1828, today it is a globally oriented, regionally anchored top university as it
focuses on the grand challenges of the 21st century. As a modern employer, it offers attractive
working conditions to all employees in teaching, research, technology and administration. The goal is
to promote and develop their individual abilities while empowering everyone to reach their full
potential. TUD embodies a university culture that is characterized by cosmopolitanism, mutual
appreciation, thriving innovation and active participation. For TUD diversity is an essential feature and
a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who would like to
commit themselves, their achievements and productivity to the success of the whole institution.

During the start-up phase of the DZA, there is a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the
establishment of a large research center and to become involved in shaping the future structures.

As part of the development of the DZA, the following project position is to be filled at the earliest
possible date in Görlitz:

Research Associate Vacuum and Cryogenics (m/f/x)
(subject to personal qualification employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L)

The position is limited until December 31, 2025 with the option for extension / permanence. The
period of employment is governed by § 2 (2) Fixed Term Research Contracts Act
(Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG).

Tasks:
– setting up a modern optics and detector laboratory
– coordination, planning and implementation of pilot projects for the DZA
– collaboration with scientific cooperation partners
– collaboration with industry partners
– project-related supervision of research assistants
– participation in missions to astronomical observatories (including South Africa, Spain, Chile).

Requirements:
– university degree (e.g. Master or equivalent) in physics, physical technology, chemistry,

process engineering or related subjects
– relevant experience in the areas of vacuum and cryogenic technology, cooled image sensor

systems, measurement and control technology
– sound knowledge of practical laboratory work and handling of vacuum systems, experiments

at cryogenic temperature, handling of liquid nitrogen

– professional experience in the development of optical instruments is desirable
– relevant experience in the areas of optical design, construction and testing of optical systems,

construction and operation of lasers, including safety regulations, implementation and
numerical analysis of optical experiments, programming, data processing

– sound knowledge of programming languages, optical design software, CAD software, image
processing

– experience in joint work with specialists in mechanical design, detector technology, and
overseeing smooth laboratory operations

– resilience, flexibility and adaptability in an evolving organization
– willingness for business trips (including abroad)
– business fluent English.
– Professional experience in the development of cryogenic instruments and experiments is

desirable.
– Experience in the field of instrument development for astronomical telescopes is an

advantage, but not mandatory.

What we offer you:
– the chance to contribute to the develop