Job opportunities
Electronics engineer for the development of the LISA magnetic diagnostic subsystem
The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) was established in February 1996 as a private non-profit foundation (NPO) to promote R&D in the space field in Catalonia. The IEEC is a research institute that studies all areas of knowledge and technologies applied to the space sector and space sciences, including astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, Earth observation, navigation and space engineering. Its mission is to push the frontiers of space research from the scientific and technological fields for the maximum benefit of society. It should also be noted that the Foundation is attached to the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government) and forms part of its institutional public sector due to the fact that the Generalitat has a majority involvement in the entity.
Introduction
The object of this call is the selection process of a candidate to occupy the position of Junior Engineer of the Area of the Space Sector of Catalonia of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia.
Description of position
- Position: 1 Electronic Engineer
- Professional group: Group II. Engineering staff
- Professional category: Junior Engineer
- Working hours: 37.5 hours/week
- Working location: In the headquarters of the Institut de Ciències de l'Espai located on the Campus of the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona , C/Can Magrans 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès.
Functions
Gravitational waves are a prediction of the Theory of General Relativity recently detected by LIGO laser interferometers on the ground. LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is an ESA mission scheduled to launch in 2034 with the aim of detecting gravitational radiation from space by placing three satellites in heliocentric orbit separated by 2.5 million km one from the other, forming a triangle.
The Gravitational Astronomy group at IEEC is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join the Gravitational Astronomy group at IEEC, a multidisciplinary team with experts from a wide variety of fields, such as electronics, physics, and software, and with a long-term successful expertise in the field leading the Spanish contribution to the precursor mission, LISA Pathfinder
Our group promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. We strongly encourage women and underrepresented minorities in physical sciences to apply.
Our group is now leading the Spanish contribution to LISA. The mission is now in phase B1 (detailed design phase). A particular interesting challenge is the magnetic diagnostic subsystem, which requires to reach sensitivities below 10nT/sqrt(Hz) down to the very stable measuring bandwidth of 1 mHz. On top of that, the sensors need to be located close to the free-falling test mass without disturbing it ---a condition that can not be achieved with fluxgate sensors. For that reason, our group already started the development of a magnetic diagnostic subsystem by means of an Anisotropic Magnetoresistors (AMR). This would allow several improvements when compared to fluxgate sensors.
The candidate will work in the development of a prototype magnetic diagnostic subsystem and its validation in a test bench. He/she will be responsible of the design of the acquisition system, its implementation and test. He/she will contribute to the definition, design and implementation of the LISA magnetic diagnostics subsystem.
Participation requirements and selection criteria
The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:
- Training:
- Degree Electronics, Telecommunications or equivalent
The following aspects will be considered desirable merits:
- Knowledge of signal processing and acquisition electronics systems.
- Previous experience with precision magnetic measurements.
- Fluent English, both written and spoken.
- Previous experience with space missions or precision measurements will be positively evaluated.
Contact and deadline
Interested persons who meet the established requirements can send a motivation letter, together with the personal curriculum in PDF format, signed as certification, with a brief description of the tasks carried out in the positions previously occupied, to the email address: RecursosHumans@ieec.cat indicating the reference "Surnames and Name –OF_IEEC_91_2023" in the subject line of the email.
The reception of applications ends on 29 March 2023.
Applications that do not meet the requirements included in the cases provided for, or those which are not processed in accordance with the established procedure will not be considered.
The reception of applications ends on
Selection procedure
Initially, a verification of the requirements of participation and study of the curriculum will be carried out to assess aspects related to the job to be covered. Next, a first selection of candidates will be made based on the curriculum contributed.
The shortlisted candidates will be called to a personal interview and/or a test to expand the detailed information in the curriculum and assessed aspects related to professional competences.
Interested persons must have the originals of the certificates accrediting the training and work experience mentioned in the curriculum and must submit them if required.