The ASTRON & IBM Center for Exascale Technology is a research centre, located in Dwingeloo, Drenthe on the Campus of ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy. At this centre ASTRON and IBM jointly carry out fundamental research into computing technologies needed to develop the SKA radio telescope in the second half of this decade and the first half of the next decade. The collaboration is funded through the DOME project and focuses on three main areas:
- Green Computing (extreme performance at minor energy costs)
- Nano-photonics (data transport power reduction over short and long distances)
- Data & Streaming (real time processing of massive data amounts)

This project offers exciting opportunities for innovative research in radio astronomy instrumentation, computer science and signal processing.

At the moment we have the following positions open at the ASTRON headquarters in Dwingeloo, The Netherlands:
- Postdoctoral position f/m
- Two PhD positions f/m
- Photonic technology R&D engineer f/m

Photonic technology R&D engineer (ref. number: 2012-09-028) f/m

Transport of data is and will remain a major cost factor in future large-scale signal processing systems such as required for the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope, SKA. This concerns both initial investments as well as operational cost. It is worthwhile to examine every part of the signal processing chain for which power consumption can be reduced. For radio telescopes this ranges from the antennas up to the processor for the end-user. Currently, long haul networks are all glass-fibre; analog links (RF) are all copper, and for short haul digital links various systems are used. There is a strong need to look at the application of low-power photonic interconnects from a systems perspective, examining where and how they can most effectively be deployed for the various connections. In addition, photonic signal processing research and development may lead to low-cost alternatives to various signal processing approaches which are currently in the digital electronic domain, in particular beam-forming. Photonic technology development at ASTRON and the Exascale Center is executed within national and international collaborations in which ASTRON and the Exascale Center work on the development of subsystems (RF- and digital electronics, antennas) and on the construction and evaluation of photonic instrumentation.

Function information:
For the "Nano Photonics" research area we are looking for an enthusiastic research engineer to strengthen our team. The successful candidate will be expected to develop analogue and digital electronics for analog and digital optical data transmission systems, and for analog optical signal processing systems. In addition, experimental investigation of (electro-) optical photonic integrated circuit and fiber-optic components and systems needs to be performed. This investigation also includes digital and analogue electronic components and systems. Finally, the successful candidate is expected to play a major role in the design, construction, and analysis of electronic/optical systems.

Function requirements:
• Bachelor or MSc electrical engineering or physics with photonics / optics specialization and analogue and digital electronics courses
• Practical experience with photonic / optical systems and analogue / digital electronics
• Experience with construction and evaluation of optical components and systems
• Experience with construction and evaluation of analogue and digital electronic components and systems
• Good communication skills, capable of working in multidisciplinary teams
• Programming experience

For more information, you can contact: Dr. Peter Maat - maat [at] astron [dot] nl

Our offer: a temporary appointment for two years with a possible extension for two years based on good performance. After this any extension will depend on sufficient project financing.

The successful candidate will be employed by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) at a salary scale commensurate with age and experience. Relocation expenses, an excellent package of benefits and assistance with finding accommodation will be provided. Applicants of any nationality are eligible to apply. A good command of the English language (writing and speaking) is essential. Successful candidates will have access to excellent computational facilities and travel support.
For a summary statement of the DOME project and related background information please check one of these websites: www.dome-exascale.nl; www.astron.nl

Candidates are invited to send an application (including a CV, a statement of scientific interests and research ideas or brief proposal), plus 3 letters of reference before January 31, 2013 by email which should refer to the mentioned vacancy nr. 2012-09-028, including a resume and contact information, to the attention of Diana Verweij, head of HR e-mail: personnel [at] astron [dot] nl Applications will continue to be considered until the positions are filled. Internal and external recruiting will be executed in parallel.

 

Acquisitions based on this advertisement are not appreciated.