Context
The European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) seeks a person with strong experience and knowledge in Optics/Laser. EGO is a Consortium, founded by the Italian Public Institution INFN and the French Public Institution CNRS, as Founding Members, and the Dutch Foundation NWO-I, as Associate Member, to foster European collaboration in gravitational wave research. EGO is located in Cascina, near Pisa – Italy, and hosts and operates the gravitational-wave detector, Virgo, a 3 km-long laser interferometer. The Virgo project involves the collaboration of about 130 institutions with more than 800 scientists, engineers and technicians in France, Italy, the Netherlands and other 13 European countries.
EGO welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, color, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Assignment
The selected candidate will work as an Optical/Laser Physicist within the EGO optics/laser team. She/he will collaborate with other team members to the optical design, realization and commissioning of the upgraded Advanced Virgo detector configuration, in particular focusing on the new optical design. Other duties include:
- Critically analysing the design, the definition of requirements, controllability, the error budgets, the definition and verification of performances of the interferometer.
- Possibly planning and implementing the required solutions for efficient long-term operations, as well as new upgrades for improving performances.
- Monitoring technology development activities in the fields of optics, interferometry and laser systems.
The post may require the selected candidate work outside of normal working hours, sometimes including nights, weekends and public holidays, and may require shift work and participation in a regular on-call service, ability to adapt quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and constraints. It may happen to cope with technically difficult situations, and to work within strict deadlines.
Essential required qualifications and experience
- Master’s degree in physics (or Optics);
- 12 years of post-graduate activity in public or private institutions;
- A PhD in Physics and experience in the use of lasers or of optical devices;
- Experience in the design of optical and/or laser system design and operation;
- Coordination of large experimental facilities and experience in running them;
- Coordination and leadership of research groups;
- Experience in Project Management;
- No criminal convictions;
- Capacity to communicate efficiently with colleagues from different countries, good sense of team spirit and proactive attitude;
- Good knowledge of English.
Desired qualifications and experience
One or more of the following will be an asset:
- 15 years from PhD;
- Knowledge of control systems ;
- Knowledge of Python or Matlab or C++ programming languages and basic knowledge of UNIX/LINUX operating system;
- Working knowledge of Italian and/or French.
Place of work
EGO – European Gravitational Observatory – via E. Amaldi 5, 56021 Loc. S.Stefano a Macerata – Cascina (Pisa) ITALY. Given the lack of public transport to reach EGO, a driving license and a personal vehicle are strongly recommended.
Type of contract
One-year contract, with the perspective of a permanent contract upon expiry, as “Dirigente Tecnologo” (Executive Technologist), according to the “Contratto Collettivo di Lavoro del Personale EGO” (EGO personnel collective bargaining agreement). The gross monthly salary, paid in thirteen instalments, is established by the aforementioned collective bargaining agreement according to the professional profile. Additional benefits include severance pay and yearly performance bonus.
Selection procedure
Only candidates who meet the above essential requirements are admitted to the selection procedure.
The evaluation of the candidates admitted to the procedure is assigned to a Selection Board appointed by the Director of EGO. The Selection Board will determine the evaluation criteria in the first meeting. The first phase of the selection will be based on a review of the Application Forms and other documents received in line with the above-mentioned essential and desired requirements.
Only candidates who have obtained the minimum score established by the Selection Board in the first meeting will be able to access to the second phase of the selection, which will consist of an interview.
During the interview the Selection Board will verify the knowledge of English and Italian languages and of the other desired qualification and experiences. At the end of the interviews the Selection Board will draw up a ranking of the candidates who obtained the minimum score established during the first meeting.
The EGO Consortium has the free right not to proceed with the recruitment.
Privacy policy
Controller: European Gravitational Observatory – email: ego-gw@pec.it
Responsible for data – email: privacy@ego-gw.it
Under Article 13 of UE Regulation (EU) 2016/79 of the European Parliament and of the Council, required personal data will be exclusively collected and treated for purposes strictly connected to the selection procedure also with the use of computerized procedures, according to current law and regulations concerning the implementation of this kind of activity.
Providing such data to EGO is necessary for the evaluation of participation requirements and of the holding of titles: failure to provide these data may compromise such evaluation.
Data will be kept only for the period required by the selection, evaluation and audit procedures.
EGO guarantees each person the right of access to personal data, as well as the rectification, or erasure or restriction of them, as well as the right to object to their processing; such requests shall be addressed to privacy@ego-gw.it.
How to apply?
Candidates can send their CV and the EGO Application Form (to be found here) together with a cover letter and eventual reference letters, to jobs@ego-gw.it quoting the reference number of this vacancy notice.
Closing date for applications
January 19, 2024
Start of contract
The earliest possible