Institut de Radio Astronomie Millimétrique (IRAM)
Av. Divina Pastora, 7, Local 20, 18012 Granada – Spain
Email submission: cordoba@iram.es – IRAM personnel department
Email inquiries: msanchez@iram.es – IRAM/Granada station manager
Posting date: May 2025 – Closing date: End June 2025
IRAM is an international research organization for millimeter and sub-millimeter astronomy supported by the CNRS (France), the Max-Planck Gesellschaft (Germany), and the IGN (Spain). IRAM operates two world-class research facilities in astronomy: a 30-meter single-dish telescope in Spain and the mm/submm interferometer NOEMA in France. Specifically, the scientific capabilities of the 30-meter telescope are continuously enhanced with state-of-the-art technology. Examples of this are the EMIR multi-wavelength heterodyne frontend, the large field-of-view continuum 1mm/2mm camera NIKA2, and the future multibeam system, currently under design.
The Frontend group (FE) at IRAM in Granada, Spain is responsible for the operation, maintenance and upgrades of the millimeter and sub-millimeter instruments located at the 30m observatory. Although most of the design and construction of the receivers takes place at the headquarters of the institute in Grenoble, France, the FE group in Granada participates in the design of the new instruments and the associated equipment, and has a leading role on the integration and definition of the interface with the rest of the system, particularly on the cabin optics, the connection of the intermediate frequency signals to the spectrometers and the control and command from the telescope control system.
IRAM seeks a new FE team member for IRAM/Granada. Reporting to the FE Group team leader, the successful candidate is expected to be co-responsible for the correct operation of existing receivers and associated subsystems, ensuring the seamless conduction of routine 30-meter observations. Active participation in relevant outstanding activities like telescope surface measuring, monitoring and correction are also required as part of the duties. He/she is also expected to participate in the design, construction and integration of new subsystems and instruments into the 30-meter observatory. Technical assessments, laboratory testing, system checkups and performance reviews, and vendor/third-party interactions are also part of the role.
Regular (Tuesdays) and exceptional on-demand trips to the observatory at nearly 3,000 meters are also required. Off-site daytime on-call service duty -approximately two weekends per month- is required.
Required Qualifications:
- University degree in Telecommunication, Electronic engineering or Physics
- Good knowledge of high frequency systems with experience of more than three years in other astronomical observatories, laboratories or related industry.
- Acquainted with millimeter/sub-millimeter receiver technologies such as cryogenics, quasi-optics, vacuum techniques, superconducting detectors and mixers.
- General electronics and electrical systems.
- Software development (python, C/C++, bash scripting, etc.)
- CAD (mechanical) and Simulation SW for RF / microwave
- Measurement techniques in RF / microwave
- Analytical and critical thinking for problem debugging and solving.
- Excellent reporting and documenting abilities.
- Excellent communications skills, as this is of special importance in the multicultural working environment of IRAM.
- Ability of working independently as in small and multidisciplinary teams, even under pressure.
- Good English skills, both written and oral. Interviews will be held in English.
- Ability to work at 3,000 meters, as the work might require staying at the observatory during several days, especially during the installation or commissioning of new instruments.
Highly desirable additional qualifications:
- Ability to speak and understand Spanish
- Knowledge of astronomy and astronomical observatories and techniques
- Experience with state-of-the-art mixers, multipliers and low noise amplifiers
- Knowledge of phase-lock and high frequency local oscillators
- Control systems, Industry interfacing and communications standards, microcontrollers programming and PCB design.
This position is permanent. IRAM offers an inspiring working environment, a competitive salary and social benefits package.
Candidates should send, quoting reference VN2025/12, a detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter explaining their interest together with at least two professional recommendation letters, in a single PDF file, by email to the IRAM personnel department (Antonio Córdoba, cordoba@iram.es). Inquiries should be addressed to the 30-meter Station Manager (Miguel Sánchez Portal, msanchez@iram.es).