Research Assistant Professor in Terahertz Detector Design

Department/Unit: Department of Physics
Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Reference: RGC Collaborative Research Fund Project C4025-25G
Starting Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: Until the position is filled

Description

The Department of Physics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong invites applications for a Research Assistant Professor position in terahertz detector and astronomical instrumentation design.

The appointee will join the RGC Collaborative Research Fund project “Hong Kong’s Window on the Universe – First Light”, a Hong Kong-led programme developing Roger, a submillimeter/terahertz astronomical camera and polarimeter. Roger combines microwave kinetic inductance detector arrays with a cryogenic system, specialised terahertz optics, readout electronics, and novel polarimeter modules.

Major Duties

The appointee will take a leading role in the design, testing, optimisation, and integration of the project’s terahertz detector system. Major responsibilities include:

• designing and optimising terahertz/submillimeter detector components and associated optical systems;

• characterising microwave kinetic inductance detector arrays under cryogenic operating conditions;

• contributing to the calibration and optimisation of detector arrays for astronomical observations;

• completing the design and fabrication of relay optics for integrating Roger with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope or the Greenland Telescope; and

• participating in telescope installation, commissioning, testing, and first-light observations.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• a doctoral degree in physics, astronomy, electrical or electronic engineering, applied physics, optical engineering, or a closely related discipline;

• relevant postdoctoral or equivalent research experience;

• demonstrated research experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • terahertz, millimeter-wave, or submillimeter detector technology;

  • cryogenic instrumentation and low-temperature measurements;

  • terahertz or quasi-optical system design;

  • detector characterisation, microwave measurements, or noise analysis;

• the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary instrumentation team.

Appointment

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Appointment will initially be made on a contract basis for up to three years, renewable subject to performance, availability of funding, and mutual agreement.

The successful applicant is expected to commence duty as soon as possible.

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit an online application together with:

1. a cover letter describing the applicant’s suitability for the position;

2. a full curriculum vitae;

3. a complete publication list;

4. a research statement describing relevant experience and proposed contributions to the project;

5. the names and contact information of three referees who have agreed to provide references.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and will remain open until the position is filled.

The University only accepts and considers applications submitted online for the post via the CUHK career site. For more information and to apply online, please visit http://career.cuhk.edu.hk.

For academic enquiries about the position and research project, please contact:

Professor Hua-bai Li
Department of Physics
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Email: hbli@cuhk.edu.hk