The Role
As a team member of the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA), you will participate in the research, development, testing and evaluation of astronomical instrumentation. Working in cross-disciplinary teams, you will design and build new instruments for large international observatories, provide support for existing facilities, and perform research into new technologies for possible incorporation in future instrumentation projects.
You will work with a small group of electronic engineers who together cover a wide variety of electronic tasks, including low-noise analog circuits, high-speed digital systems, precision electro-mechanical systems, sensors and control systems, optoelectronics and radio-frequency circuitry, and you will be expected to contribute to a wide range of electronics-based tasks. For this position we are looking for someone to work in particular on developing high-performance scientific imaging systems, based on the latest sensor technology, for the next generation of astronomical imagers, spectrographs and adaptive optics systems, as well as possibly equivalent detector systems at longer wavelengths. You will collaborate closely with a large team of scientists, engineers and technicians across a range of fields that together can conceptualize, design and deliver forefront astronomical instrumentation to world-leading observatories that deliver cutting-edge science to their user communities.
About the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre
We are Canada’s gateway to the stars. At the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre, we maintain and operate Canada’s largest and most powerful observatories and represent the country in some of the world’s leading astronomy initiatives. We are astronomy and astrophysics experts, conducting cutting-edge research, operating Canada’s national observatories, providing extensive data management and analysis tools through our Canadian Astronomy Data Centre, supporting activities at international observatories and developing advanced astronomical instruments with industrial partners.
Why Work With Us
The Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre is committed to creating an inclusive environment for research, learning and service. We value the merit of a diverse community of staff, students and collaborators. We can offer technical and advisory services in optical and radio astronomy, advanced instrumentation and data science.
Technological expertise
• Adaptive optics
• Data archiving and science platforms
• Digital signal processing
• Electrical engineering
• Instrumentation science
• Manufacturing and machining
• Mechanical engineering
• Millimetre-wave technology
• Optical engineering
• Project management
• Radio engineering
• Software, controls and machine learning
Scientific expertise
• Exoplanets
• Galaxy evolution
• History of Canadian astronomy
• Milky Way and neighbouring galaxies
• Protostars and proto-planetary disks
• Star and galaxy clusters
• Variable and transient astronomical sources
About Victoria
Anchored by the spectacular Inner Harbour, historic downtown Victoria, the Capital City of British Columbia, is the economic heart of the region and Vancouver Island. Our downtown is safe to enjoy day and night. Welcome to a place you can call home for you and your family.
Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada. This, combined with spectacular ocean views and mountain vistas, encourage year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, golfing, cycling, gardening and kayaking.
Victoria is home to a vibrant and eclectic arts and culture community, from world class performing arts, museums and festivals to local authors and artisans. Old-world ambiance meets modern urban living where niche businesses and eclectic restaurants abound.
Education
-Ph.D. in Science or Engineering, or
-A Master’s degree in an Engineering field with relevant experience.
Experience
-Experience in the design, development, testing and integration of high-performance electronic systems.
-Experience with electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, data acquisition systems, spectrum analysers or network analysers.
-Experience in engineering data analysis.
-Experience programming in C, Python or similar languages.
-Experience with electronic assembly practices.
Condition of Employment
Reliability Status
Ability to attend international project meetings virtually or in person, possibly outside of regular business hours.
Language Requirements
English
Technical Competencies
1. Significant knowledge of solid state device physics.
2. Ability to design and test analog and digital electronics, including programmable logic devices, especially as applied to low-noise and high-speed sampled systems.
Assets
1. Knowledge of the theory of operation of imaging detectors may be considered an asset for this position.
2. Knowledge of electronic hardware design and laboratory techniques for detector testing may be considered an asset for this position.
3. Knowledge of astronomy or astronomical instrumentation may be considered an asset for this position.